Another Perspective

Here is a response from one teacher in my department, I'm still waiting on the others, but I make no promises;-)

Brenda McCormick: Business Management, Graphic Design, Computer Science, and Online Experience

The best part of being a business teacher is: that everything changes based on technology, workforce demand and changes due to a shift in our cultural norms. I enjoy change and I have found that I am never bored teaching business education classes. Just keeping up with the version changes in the MS Office Suite can be challenging but add in the changes in technology that drives many businesses then you have to make changes to not only the content of your curriculum but also your delivery. Some teachers are very reluctant to change lessons once developed. If I could pass on one single piece of advice it would be to always be willing to make changes to your lessons. This helps me stay fresh and current with technology and of course the changes in our standards.

The hardest part of being a teacher: was to learn to adapt in a very different environment that what I was used to. After spending almost 20 years working for a furniture manufacturer I found myself ill prepared for my role as an employee in the public sector. Many of the ways in which I was taught to handle working on a team, taught to handle controversy, chain of command, etc are not handled in the same manner in the education system. At least not in the school system that I work for. So that part of my job has at times been a struggle.

I decided to pursue my teaching certificate because I thought that after spending so many years working in corporate America I had something that I could give back to our young people. As a manager (in my prior life), I interviewed many young people for jobs in my department. I was saddened by the lack of basic problem solving skills, technical skills and soft skills that the job candidates possessed. So I became a teacher. I still feel that I have something to give back but if I had it do again I would have pursued another endorsement. Currently I only have a business endorsement. I would highly recommend that new teachers pursue a core class endorsement. I have been with my school system over 10 years and I believe that once our district moves back to semester delivery and the in-coming freshmen are faced with the foreign language requirement, elective choices will be at a minimum.

Another piece of advice that I would pass on would be to try attending professional development conferences such as MBEA, MACUL, ACTE and such. Some of these conferences have repeat presenters that are just great and they are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Start building your network of business associates who can help to guide you and mentor you in your career. Good luck.