Actually, I already am a teacher. I have taught for the past 13 years. What initially prompted my interest was a minor speedbump in my schooling called graduation. Upon receiving my ornately embossed Masters degree diploma, I realized I should probably do something about it. But the thing I had planned on doing with said degree fell through. So I did what any sane person who had never taken a single course in education and had never earned a teaching certificate would do: I applied to be a teacher. Naturally, with credential like that, I got the job.
Just prior to that first teaching position I answered phones for a living. Now, taking phone orders for personal hygiene products was every bit as life-fulfilling as you imagine it would be. But one can only say, "Order processing this is Brian how may I help you?" 179, 062 times before it gets boring. So I felt it was time for a change. Furthermore, I took a spiritual gifts inventory survey - which is sort of like a Myers-Briggs personality test - to learn what my areas of gifting were. And what do you suppose my #1 gift would be? Alas, it was teaching! Having nudged out lion-taming and spandex modeling as close seconds, I decided to work in the area where I was most richly endowed. So I began teaching.
It was a good move. My first school had no principal, no curriculum, very little organization, and even less money. It was perfect! Why you ask? Because for the first time ever, I was doing what the good Lord had hard-wired me to do. It was as fulfilling as anything I had ever done. When it fits, it fits. You just know it. I loved it then and thirteen years later I love it still.
Over those years I have taught Logic, Speech, American History, World Geography, Earth Science, Honors Spanish, Old Testament, New Testament, and REL2300 Comparative Religions. The age range has extended from 5th grade through college and the fun never ends. I am glad I'm a teacher and am quite sure I have not missed my calling. Although....late at night, every once in a while, I do wonder what that spandex modeling would have been like.
