Before I ever got into the teaching profession, my now mother-in-law, a former high school English teacher, used to tell me, “The unusual thing about teaching is that your ‘product’ is a child, the most important child, whose value is immeasurable.” That statement makes even more sense to me now as a parent. But even then, the idea stuck with me as a new teacher, and gave me a sense of purpose and a challenge.

That challenge of finding the right combination of strategies to get my students to make the necessary connections has become the facet of teaching that I love most. Throughout the years, this process has stretched my creativity in new and unexpected ways. Now, I find myself getting excited when I have the opportunity to look at problems from a new perspective. This ability for flexibility in thought and approach when delivering instruction, and then innovative problem solving when learning stalls, continues to drive me. I believe I will always love and never tire of my profession, because every year, the dynamic complexities of the children who walk into my classroom present me invaluable challenges.

An outsider might be surprised, given the sheer size of the Wayne Township Public School District, to find that despite the nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, ours is a tight community. I have had the pleasure of having taught in four of these schools throughout my tenure, with my longest and dearest appointment at Pines Lake Elementary School. It is here that I have discovered the true meanings of camaraderie, fraternity, and acceptance. The fellowship that I have felt among my peers and administrators is like no other organization where I have been a participant. Joining this institution of learning has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I am blessed to be truly at home and with my “family” here at work.