where did this teacher get her start? ( + a giveaway)

I spend my days in a 4th grade classroom.  Teaching, to me, is helping others learn and grow. Of course, what I bring to the profession is always influenced by my spiritual well-being and my artistic sensibility.  I have always wanted to nurture.   And boss people around.  I was a bossy older sister.  

Because of the bossiness, I misguidedly relished a goofy idea of teaching from a young age.  I think at some point I developed what I call an Early Superhero Misunderstanding and this misunderstanding has (luckily) led to a career that I enjoy.

My parents were proponents of the kind of unstructured, creative play that just doesn’t happen enough nowadays.  A thousand self-directed art projects.  Also, PBS was the station on the tube, if television was to be watched at all.  

 MTV?  They didn’t spring for cable television until after I left for college.  For these reasons, my exposure to current pop culture was more limited than my peers. 

My first kiddo record collection consisted of several Mr. Rogers soundtracks, the Mary Poppins Movie soundtrack, and the Slim Goodbody soundtrack (a PBS “superhero” who promoted sound nutrition and hygiene and such hits as “Big Boss Brain” and “Food is the Fuel”). 

Beautiful on the inside, too.

I was given a Mr. Microphone and stereo speakers and left free to play with my younger brother in our living room for hours.  We made radio shows.  Some reader’s theater, but usually we played D.J. as we introduced one hit after another from our collection.  Lots of dancing, costumes, and jumping on the sofa.

My big-time childhood superhero cast consisted of Mary Poppins, Mr. Rogers, Mother Teresa, Ghandi, and Maria from The Sound of Music.  I know.  I don’t think I was very fun at birthday parties.

I still think that if I wear sweaters like Fred Rogers, that I will be somehow "cool".

I remember when I first began to notice this Superhero Misunderstanding.  Engaged in imaginative play in the street, neighborhood children would hiss, “’I’m Batman,” and pretend to drive away in the Batmobile, or “I’m Luke Skywalker,” and fight to the death with a willing Darth Vader.  

I would holler, “I’m Mary Poppins,” give a teacherly nod of the chin and hold high my imaginary black umbrella.

As I floated away with said umbrella, I would wonder why they all didn’t find me sexy and impressively powerful.  I was flying away to find children in need of a dose of whimsy, inspiration, and creativity.  What was better than that?!  

A total badass.

I have admired those who work with children since I was a child.  Sharing the daylight hours with my students, learning and growing together, is something that challenges me to keep my heart soft with love.  And they even pay me for this work, too.   

Come on over and visit Teacher Goes Back To School.  I am the featured teacher interview for November (Interview Part 1,  Interview Part 2)!

If you leave a comment at the bottom of her interview  or at the bottom of this blog post, you are automatically entered to win a nuno felted scarflette at the Spirit House Designs Presale on November 20th.  You need not be present to win, but it would be great to see you!

You can also catch me at the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale on December 3-5th as well. Come by and visit!