Uhm... I did it.

Nineteen Ninety-seven was an exciting year; I earned a college degree in what should be the most important degree one can earn in our country. I was thrilled! I couldn't wait to make a positive difference in my community and touch the lives of young people, especially those on the edge of trouble. (My interest here was (and is) genuine: I know something about children on the edge, or better said, at risk.) I knew with everything in my soul that I could make a difference where others' had failed. So what did I do? I put my degree to work and I became a teacher.

Even with all the anticipation of what was coming, I didn't realize that I was about to embark on the most life changing, uplifting, exciting, energetic, loving, discovering, laughing, engaging, challenging, rewarding, and most positive experience ever. And I didn't know it, but I was about to embark on the most life changing, messed up, mixed up, disorganized, and with too many chiefs who want to control, and with too many chiefs who fear to control. I didn't know it, but I was joining a statewide organization that constantly changes the system so readily, that rarely is an idea practiced for more than a year at a time. I didn't know it but this organization rarely listens to teachers currently working in classrooms, who may hold a better incite as to our educational down fall... experience ever. Yep. That's education. So what did I do yesterday? I resigned. And you know what? Eleven years experience at the middle school level doesn't account for much.

You see, in recent years there is something called, "Highly Qualified." Now that seems to make sense. After all, who wouldn't want teachers to be highly qualified in their subject area? However, being Highly Qualified, means that you are only qualified to teach according to what your college degree and transcripts reveal. But you know what? Just because your major was in World History, doesn't mean that a teacher could not teach proficiently, American History. In other words, taking certain courses does not mean that you are highly qualified to teach that particular subject.

Let me explain. At first glance (well not at first glance... my first semester was about the art of suntanning at the river), one can easily see that most of my credits are in the sciences; Basic Chemistry, Chemistry/Math for the Health Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology, a horrendous semester of Nursing, Psychology 1 and 2, Sociology... You get my drift. Now according to the HQ guidelines, I am Highly Qualified to teach chemistry or something within that genre. Ha! Did you hear me? I said, Ha! That is because I am not qualified to teach chemistry. Although I found those topics fascinating, and while I absolutely loved the labs, I know who I am, and I am not, I repeat, I am not Highly Qualified to teach chemistry or biology. Could I become qualified? Of course... with time and study. Do I have the kajing to spend the hours it takes to become highly qualified? Maybe. But I do have the time? And if I did, where would I find that time? After work? It's possible. But the best place to learn how to teach is in the classroom while one teaches.

Oh gasp! but it's true. With a simple looksy-loo of the brain while teaching, the brain lights up all over the place. In other words, the best way to learn is to learn while you teach. So could I learn while I teach? I'm a professional. I can learn and teach even while standing on one foot. Why? Mostly years of practice.

Teaching was my second career. My first was in various areas of sales and marketing. After several years of substitute teaching, more years of college, I was ready. Or was I? Due to my sales experience, my first years of teaching was easier than most, but I still had plenty to learn. I started out in a In-school suspension program, of which I designed. (I'm saddened to say that once I left for greener pastures, my program, my curriculum, was ripped to shreds, and honestly? by one teacher that set out to do so. Absolutely horrendous!)

Once I decided to teach in a regular classroom, I studied my college transcripts and found that most of my courses (outside of basic science classes) were writing intensive. I really enjoyed those classes and skated through with all A's, so it made since to approach my principal with a language arts position in mind. (I really wanted Art, but that was not available.) Now keep in mind, that this conversation took place long before HQ. Happily, the following year, and many years since then, I was in place to teach Literature and Reading. Was I good at my job? Damn Straight! And was I Highly Qualified? According to my college transcripts, that would be a firm, Nope!

So What's Next? I don't know... I've never resigned before.