I’ve Been Schooled

School is about to begin and I can’t help thinking about the many years I’ve been part of this ‘world’…

I reentered the teaching force on a full time basis back in 2001, and for the most part, I still love my job. Of course, I teach all the things I’m passionate about – Art, Drama and English – so what could be better? (Being able to write full time, perhaps?) In any case, I can’t imagine having to get up each day and go to a job I hated. For that, I am very grateful.

Homeschool Mom: During my ‘stay at home’ years, I decided to homeschool my four children. I had been fascinated by the movement even back in my University days when one of my professors told us he and his wife ‘Unschooled’ their children. I did lots of reading and research, and finally took the plunge when my eldest daughter was going into Grade Four. What fun!  I love the creative approach, so we spent many happy years (nine to be specific) doing projects, reading good books, and just enjoying each others company and the discovery of learning that went with it. I used all kinds of different resources, but I always liked to put my own creative spin on things. Charlotte Mason soon became my hero and I still try to incorporate much of her philosophy into my classroom. She believed in reading lots of good books, learning English through ‘real’ writing and reading, Science through observation, Socials through History – basically, a classical education with lots of hands on. (Of course, her recommendation that children should be introduced to Shakespeare as early as Grade Two brought a resounding ‘YES!” from this Bard Buff!) All in all, I think my children appreciated and benefited from those years we spend discovering together. I know I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Fourth Generation: Interestingly, I am a fourth generation teacher. In fact, most of the females on my mother’s side were/are teachers or involved in the education industry in one way or another. I had wonderfully creative mentors within my own family to look to or to swap ideas with in both my professional career and my homeschool days. My own mother was a huge inspiration to me in so many ways. She taught me (literally – she taught me Grade Six) what a good teacher is supposed to look like, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps.

Still a Student: Okay, I admit it. I’m a nerd cause I love going to school. Honestly, I thrive on learning new things. Even though I am not formally taking any classes at the moment, I think it behooves each of us to remain life long learners – people who are curious about things and just want to learn more. I know I have been on a steep learning curve when it comes to marketing, promotions, and everything related to using technology. I also recognize my ongoing status as ‘student’ when it comes to the writing process itself. Finally, as a Christian, I know I will be a purpetual pupil as I sit at the Master’s feet.

My dear friend Jacqueline Millen – one of the most vibrant people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know – said it well when she stated that ‘to stop learning and growing is to die’. She did die several years ago at age 87, but let me tell you, she put her words into practice. Jacqueline was a petite little adventurer with a French Canadian accent who was young at heart to the end. She was so much fun to be around – one of those people you actually WANTED to be near. Even in those latter years, she was trying new things, going places, and learning, learning, learning. She was fascinated by all kinds of topics, did lots of reading, tried new things (like line dancing and even climbed a mountain!) and always kept up with the latest fashions. (No frumpy ‘granny’ duds for her!) Most of all, though, she loved Jesus, and had a voracious appetite for spiritual food. She was the embodiment of a ‘life long learner’.

So, whether you are on the teaching or the student end of the spectrum; whether you homeschool or you are part of the public system; or whether you have been around for a long time or not so much – this is a great time to reflect on your own learning journey. Just when we think we’ve arrived there is something new around the corner. But then maybe the process is what is really important in this traverse after all.