Well, it's official! I finished teaching at Athens High School on Tuesday and now I'm off to start a new adventure at Malakoff High School. I'm going to be teaching part-time (5 periods of Algebra 2) each day. I'm excited that God is blessing us with a new opportunity. Here's how it all came about...
This year has been especially challenging for us as a family because we moved 3 hours away from everything that I have known for 30 years—my family, my church, my school “family,” my comfort zone. We truly believe that God works everything for GOOD and we feel that we made the right decision and are already being blessed in so many ways.
Several months ago when the stress was getting to me, we started praying about what to do with my job. I came across this verse that helped me make it through the rest of the year…it’s Isaiah 48:17. “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
At this time in my life, my most important responsibilities are to be a good wife and mom to my two boys. I feel that I have neglected them a LOT this year as I had to spend a TON of time doing homework to learn Calculus. After awhile, I began thinking that the answer would be to teach part-time so I could have more time for my family. I asked the administration at Athens if I could teach part-time and at first they were very encouraging to me about it. Then, a few months ago they told me that would not be a possibility. I felt crushed because I really felt that was the answer to my prayers. About a month ago, Malakoff had a math opening and I asked if part-time would be a possibility for me and they said yes.
When they offered me the job, it was still a difficult decision for me to make. My husband will tell you that I was still reluctant because I feel so badly for all of my juniors that I prepared to take Calculus with me next year. I am a loyal person and I get very attached to my students very easily and I did not want to upset them. I also think about all of the work that I did this year learning Calculus and I won’t be teaching it again next year. However, I truly believe that God does everything for a reason, and I know He is trying to teach me some important life lessons through all of this.
After much prayer and discussion, we decided that I needed to do what is best for our family right now. The high school is literally 2 minutes from our house instead of 20 minutes—so I’ll save 40 minutes in driving time every day! My math friend, Sandy, figured up that I’ll save around $700 a year just in gas money!!! Also, I have taught Algebra 2 for 11 years and absolutely love it! I love using manipulatives and doing a lot of hands-on experiments, and I’ll get to do that again!
Wherever I teach and whatever I do, my main goal is to be a good Christian influence to my students and those around me! I hope this new adventure will allow me to do that AND be a much better mom to Evan and Ethan and wife to Eric…they are, after all, my most prized possessions! :)
So...once again I have to completely set up a new classroom! But I really enjoy organizing everything...and it won't be as hard since it's just right down the road! :)
Kim, I think you made the right decision. Those boys will grow fast. I love being involved at the school, but I have severe limits to what is good for my family. With 5 kids and living in a foreign country, I just have to keep my work hours low. I am seeking God to find that balance. Thanks for sharing. Wish you'd come teach for us!!!
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