Reflections of a First Year Teacher

This blog was written by Ms. Kelly Hester, a Business Teacher at Carson High School. Mrs. Hester has had an exemplary first year at Carson!

My first year as a teacher is coming to an end in just a few short months. As I reflect on the decision that I made to leave the business world and start a career in teaching, I would say that I made the right decision. I can remember turning down a job that was more in my wheelhouse the Friday before school was to begin and the recruiter asking me if I was sure of my decision. She reminded me that I had been at their site over seven times and wanted to know if she had missed anything. She went back over my job offer and certainly pointed out the difference in pay, and although it looked good, I found myself responding that I had decided to become a teacher. I needed to do something different. I needed to feel like I could make a difference. And it was what was best for my family during a time of uncertainty that did not end as I had prayed it would.

I have found a sense of peace and purpose interacting with young people every day. My dad always told me that children don’t ask to come into this world, so when they come it is our responsibility as adults to take care of them. And I take that responsibility very seriously and with pride. I used to tell myself that I could easily walk away if the price was right, but when I look at the faces and interact with the students in my prior and current classes, I don’t see that happening so easily. All I see is working to increase my ability to connect with students, and transferring the knowledge necessary in my subject matter(s) so that I make a difference.

My former peers are constantly asking me when I plan to come back and when I am going to stop this foolishness. But when I speak about my students and the lessons that I teach, they quickly see that I have found a new passion and drive that the almighty corporate dollar can’t buy. As the new kid on the block, I am inspired within my current environment by everyone from the students to the teachers that I interact with on a daily basis. And I am thankful for all the help and encouragement that I receive on a regular basis from everyone at Carson High School. All Teachers ROCK, but a special thank you to the CTE department for making my first year an easy transition!