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1985
My kindergarten teacher is who made me want to be an educator. She was kind, loving, nurturing and patient. She made sure that our transition to school was a smooth one and did so with patience, while also being firm when she needed to be. I've never forgotten her. One of the most distinctive memories that I have of her is how she handled a class full of kids as they watched the Challenger explode. She was so kind and comforting. It is one of my few elementary memories and one I'll never forget. -
1987
In 2nd grade I was tested for the gifted program and didn't get in, which was fine. However, the teacher that tested me made a remark to my teacher after I had finished testing that implied that I was not very bright, and I overheard her. This impacted me and my self-esteem for many years. I lost confidence in my ability to learn or in how smart I was. I thought teachers were supposed to be helpful, instead she was hateful. -
1993
My 7th grade Social Studies teacher berated me in front of the class for asking a clarifying question when I didn't understand what she was telling us. I was so embarrassed and never raised my hand in her class again. That stuck with me for many years as well. This was another example of a teacher hurting instead of helping. -
1998
I struggled with math throughout high school. My parents finally talked me into going to Sylvan Learning Center for help during my senior year. It was the first time I "got" math. My tutor there was very helpful and patient when teaching me the concepts that I didn't understand. This helped me regain some of the confidence that I had lost in my ability to learn and be taught. -
1998
I had the best senior English teacher in high school. Mrs. Derryberry exemplified what I wanted to be as an educator. She took time with us, made sure we understood what we were learning before moving on, and she even made the Shakespeare and the Canterbury Tales fun! Who knew? We still keep in contact today. -
1998-2002
The UM years meant that I majored in History, but really I majored in Dr. Wilson Fallin. I loved this man and I think I took every class he offered during my 4 undergrad years and while I was doing the 5th year. I loved the way that he "preached" history and I ate up every bit. I won't say that I would/could emulate his style, but I wanted to be able, as an educator, to show my students my love for the subject and make them want to learn more, which is exactly what he did for me. -
2002
College was a time of great change for me. I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to be a good student and to be able to learn well. In 2002, I graduated with a degree in History. Early in my college career I thought I wanted to change from education to law, but I quickly decided that law school wasn't in my future. I pursued the 5th Year Program at UM because I wanted to teach high school students and hopefully make the kind of impact on them that only my best teachers had made on me. -
2003
At a time where I was really questioning my decision to go into education, I had class with Dr. Roberson. I had a huge break down in his office one day and sat and cried for at least an hour. He didn't freak out, he just talked to me. We talked about life, school, my parents, etc. Not many professors would be able to handle a crying girl in their office, but he was wonderful. He had the confidence in me that I lacked. He convinced me to keep going, because he was able to see my potential. -
2003
Mary Beth Rodgers, M.Ed: I received my Master's degree in Social Sciences. I never got an interview for a position because every principal needed a coach and I played tennis, but they didn't need that. I floundered for a year before I decided that I wanted to go to library school at Alabama. This was another time of less than stellar confidence in my abilities, but I knew good things were around the corner. They had to be. -
2004-2007
Library school at Alabama was where I really found my niche as an educator. I had a professor there, Dr. Joan Atkinson, who was amazing. She knew her subject, young adult literature, like nothing else I had seen. She helped me develop my passion for research, young adult literature, and helping students foster a love reading. -
2005
While in library school, I was offered my first job and was super scared, but super excited at the same time. I became the library media specialist at Chelsea Elementary and was there for a year. I learned quickly, though, that it takes a special soul to teach elementary school students. I loved it, but knew I was better suited for the upper grades. This was especially evident to me when a kindergartner threw up in the trash can in the middle of story time. I was done and done. -
2006-Present
After one year as an elementary librarian, I was lucky enough to be offered the same job at Chelsea High School, and I have been here since. This year I started my 12th year as an educator. I love every minute of my job. I am the technology coordinator for my school and that is fun as well. I love learning new ways to help my teachers integrate technology. I have gained so much confidence as a person and as an educator during my time at CHS. It's so nice to be able to say that you love your job!
