My Desire to Teach

Hi, Everyone!

So, yesterday evening in my Foundations of Education class, I was given an assignment… and it should be no surprise that it was another paper to write. I wonder if Grampa Clark, Uncle Anthony, and Mr. D had to this much writing when they were in college… hahaha!

In any event, I am to write a five-page paper explaining why I desire to be a teacher, which grade I would like to teach, and what I plan to bring to the table—in other words, I am to describe a unique attribute that no other teacher has. Well, judging only by the successful results of this past summer when I taught the Cradle Roll class for a couple of Sundays, I would say that my most unique attribute is the fact that I am a big kid at heart, and it’s because of this attribute that allows me to connect with the little kiddies. I don’t think I mentioned this before, but you can ask my St. Matthew Baptist Church Family—every Sunday, both before and after church, those little Cradle Roll kiddies made it their business to flock to me, as though I was their version of Mother Goose. I swear, it is just the cutest thing! Some of the kiddies even call me “Miss Natasha,” which is so sweet. And as far as which grade I would like to teach… well, I’ve already made it perfectly clear that I would love to teach kindergarten. However, if I had a second preference, then I would choose to teach either First Grade or Second Grade.

And while it’s fresh on my mind, I’m gonna tell y’all why I chose to teach the little kiddies: Mrs. Ingrid Martin. I may have mentioned her once or twice, but Mrs. Martin was my kindergarten teacher some many moons ago. From what I understand, she is still teaching the little ones up at my old elementary school. I was hoping to catch an interview with her, seeing as how my paper is due next Monday—and now that she’s been crossing my mind as of late, I reckon I’ll go ahead and write her a letter at least. Truth be told: Mrs. Martin was the greatest kindergarten teacher that I ever had; she was sweet but strict, hard-hitting but soft spoken. And I may have mentioned once upon a time that her youngest daughter had graduated kindergarten with me. Speaking of which, Mrs. Martin was even more so strict on her daughter than she was everyone else—she didn’t believe in special treatment or nepotism! I know this all sounds strange, considering that we were kindergarteners, but yet and still, this was the makeup of Mrs. Martin’s character.

Well, y’all—I guess I had better get started on this here paper. Here’s what’s funny: I haven’t written anything down yet, but judging by the brainstorms and research, I have at least three and a half pages already! With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, but in the meantime, y’all take care and be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Real Passion For Teaching, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog is a real simple one, but I’m sure y’all figured that out by reading the title.

I just got a call this morning from the Sunday School superintendent at my church, and she says that she put in a good word for me with Pastor Clark. I’m gonna just cut right to the chase: From now until I return to Rust next month, I’m gonna teach the Cradle Roll class at church. This is just the type of training that I need if I am to ever become a kindergarten teacher. I gladly welcome this responsibility, but I am curious as to what happened to Sister Helmsley—I mean, she is an excellent teacher; she’s been teaching the Cradle Roll class since… I just thought about it: I was in her class when I was a little Cradle Roller. I wonder if she mentioned my name or something. Oh, well—the bottom line is that I have a chance to show off my skills as a teacher, and what better way to start than at Sunday School. That means I gotta get a lesson plan together, as well as a syllabus, and some goodies and treats for when my students show that they’ve learned something!

Oh, yes—the wheel are indeed a-turnin’ in my head, y’all! I’m very excited about this news!

And then too, I am reminded about a conversation I had earlier this year with Ruby and Theo about being tough enough. You know, there’s an old saying that has been modified six ways from Sunday, but it goes: “Actions speak a helluva lot louder than words.” Nowadays, this generation says: “There are those who talk about it, and there are those who be about it.” Well, I stand firmly in great faith to let the world know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, truly beez about it! It’s one thing to dream it, but now I’ve got to prove that I’ve got what it takes. I’ve wanted to be a kindergarten teacher ever since I was in kindergarten. Granted, my Grampa Clark was the inspiration behind my decision, but lately I’ve noticed that children have more or less flocked to me. I could be at church, in the grocery store, at the mall, or on a date with Ray—some child is gonna approach me some kinda way, and my inner teacher/nurturer will start activating.

Now, that right there is passion—I don’t think it can get any more passionate than that. Then again, I’ve just been told that I’m gonna be the Cradle Roll teacher for the next six Sundays, and I’m already talking about a lesson plan and some goodies for the little ones. If that don’t show that I’m ready, then I don’t know what will!

Well, speaking of my passion, I had best get to working on my lesson plan right now. I do not want to be caught slippin’. After all, Jesus did tell us to be ye also ready! Yes, I am aware that the scripture speaks more than what I see, but I’m just merely expressing that I’d rather be overly prepared than not prepared at all. So, with that said, y’all take care, and I shall holla at y’all tomorrow.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha