My Former Self

Have I ever mentioned what I used to do before I was "home with the boys?"

I thought I should touch on that. Wouldn't that be fun?

First of all, I have a bachelor's degree in music education.

Yep, I was a music major - hours of practicing, recitals, conducting lessons, ensembles (like marching band, as I mentioned before) - that was college for me!

And after graduating, I took a job in a small town as an elementary music teacher.

There I am in my early teaching days. Directing a Christmas program.

Music programs were a big part of my life back then - five a year plus assisting with the high school musical. Lots of planning, organizing, rehearsing, painting sets like these...

But I loved it. Halfway through my time there, I started doing a Veteran's Day program every November with the fourth and fifth graders...

Every year, we invited veterans and military men and women from the community to attend and honored them with song. It was one of my favorite parts of my job. The gratitude and pride those men and women exhibited was enough to make me cry EVERY time. So cool.

Another highlight of every year was helping with the high school musical. This year was my favorite...

We always had a fun "reveal" party in December to let the students know what the spring show would be. "Seussical" was a particularly fun party...

I don't think I could teach high school students, but I LOVED working with them on the musical. We always had a blast.

So what else filled my time as an elementary music teacher?

Directing my after-school elementary choir...

(Yes, that is me wearing reindeer antlers as we carol at the nursing home - I was full of Christmas spirit!)

Choreographing and coaching the flag line...

Taking the fifth graders to the symphony...

Putting up bulletin boards...

And organizing the elementary talent show, coaching some junior high volleyball and teaching piano lessons here and there, just to name a few other things.

Yes, I was busy.

But that was part of teaching in this small town and I LOVED it there. The town, school district and community hold a very special place in my heart. I was spoiled with fantastic administration, wonderful teachers around me and very supportive and involved parents.

When I decided to stay home, I had people asking if I had received a better offer from another school district. I told them that was impossible. Sure, I could have gotten more money and less responsibilities somewhere else. But I can't imagine myself teaching in any better place than where I was.

I am fortunate enough to substitute in this district every once in a while and be reminded of what a great place it is.

No, I do not want to go back to full-time teaching, but if I ever did, I would want to go right back to being my former self...