God loves technology, too.
This past Saturday, I graduated from Auburn University of Montgomery with a Master of Education in Instructional Technology. All of that Pomp and Circumstance got me thinking about my life and how I arrived on that stage.
I've been in church since before I can even remember: Sunday School, youth group, Wednesday night suppers, you name it. My mom even began working at our church when I was in elementary school and is now a United Methodist pastor. I have spent so many hours in church worshiping, praying, and attending, but it wasn't until I graduated college that I fully understood how much God loves me and how much He acts on my behalf.
Why do I say all of this on a blog post for technology??...The biggest lesson that I've learned post college days is to listen to God, even if I'm scared, even if I don't understand. Doing so (with LOTS of prayer and "Are you sure, God?"s) has brought me here-talking to you about technology.
I've always loved technology, and I'm pretty close to being a digital native (someone who grew up with technology), but I NEVER thought it would be a part of my career. I graduated from Huntingdon College in 2011 with a degree in Elementary Education with high hopes and little experience. After being rejected for a position at Auburn City Schools that following summer, I was devastated, but God was with me. I moved to Auburn anyway and began work at a local daycare facility. While there, I was hired as a long term sub for a third grade class in Montgomery, and that experience was like being thrown into the deep end of the teaching pool. It was truly sink or swim, and those two months taught me more about teaching than my undergrad did. Again, God knew exactly where I needed to be. If I had not worked at the daycare for a little short of a year and completed the long-terms sub position within that time, I would not have had the confidence to apply for my dream job (at the time): an elementary teacher in a private school similar to the one that I attended first through twelfth grades.
One day on my lunch break at the daycare, I changed into my professional clothes and dropped by my current school to give a copy of my application and resume to the elementary principal, and from there, my career (almost) officially began. The headmaster at the time, a man who I so greatly respect for his love of students, welcomed me and instantly made me feel at home. He walked me through the school and introduced me to the elementary school principal, and that same day, I interviewed with her. I may have been more than a little late returning to my shift at the daycare, but it was more than worth it because I was called back for a second interview and shortly after, found out that I was offered a position as a third grade teacher. When I think about how God arranged that time in my life, I get weepy. God was with me! Even when I felt defeated and stressed! He knew when I would be ready as both a person or an educator, and I'm beyond thankful for His intervention in my life.
Okay, so back to technology and teaching. The year I was hired was the same year that Lee-Scott launched iConnect, a technology initiative. I was so happy! Our class had a set of iPads making us one-to-one with the devices, and our options for use were endless! Looking back, I definitely didn't utilize them as much as I could have, and there were times when I should have created a more open environment for my students to use them as tools, but hey! You live and learn! My classroom was my happy place; each day I smiled as I entered the school excited for the day's activities and interactions. Learning has been a top priority of mine since I was in elementary school, and I love that being a teacher is an opportunity to not only teach but to learn every day! Teaching third grade was my jam, and I felt like I had hit my teaching stride. (See some of our activities on my old class blog HERE.) Technology integration was becoming more natural; our third grade team was collaborating so well; and I finally hoarded -collected- enough supplies like bulletin board components, craft supplies, and paper that I wasn't spending as much money (In case you didn't know, teaching can get expensive.) I really felt like I had the hang of teaching.
Then God spoke to me again: Go to grad school. Going back to school was something that I actively avoided thinking about. I finished my undergrad in three years and was totally burned out from studying and taking tests, and why did I need to go?? I already had a job! How was I going to work a full time job, go to school, be a wife, and a fur-mama successfully? Could it be done? My mom nudged me constantly about going back to school, and in 2016, I finally felt like I was ready. (How are moms ALWAYS right??) I applied to Auburn University at Montgomery, began their Instructional Technology program, and now, four semesters later, I'm through! God was most certainly in that situation (Can I get an amen, fellow students??)!
So this is getting a little long, but I want y'all to see how God's hand is everywhere, in the big AND in the small!
At the end of last school year, our art teacher decided to stay home with her children which left an opening in that position. Our technology teacher at that time decided that she wanted to move to art, and what do you know? There was an opening for the technology teacher! Our principal came to me one day and brought up the idea of me moving to that position. "But, God! I only went back to school to learn more about technology and have options for the FUTURE; not now!" I said. Y'all, when I say I struggled with the decision, I struggled. In the past, I'd never had to leave something good to move to something just as good; every move had been a step forward or upward. As I sought advice from others, I got mixed reviews. "You love your third graders!" "I can see you teaching technology!" Thankfully, the window of time to decide was small, so I made my choice. I accepted the position to teach pre-k through fourth grade technology!
Now, almost one year later, my heart is so satisfied and grateful for God's direction and grace through this career move. I've gone from a self-contained classroom introvert to a person who is teaching across elementary grade levels to presenting at ISTE in San Antonio in June. This school year has been the year that I have experienced the most professional and personal growth, and it was all through God!
In conclusion, God loves technology because God loves me. Each morning, as I walk into school, I am reminded of His promises and faithfulness and my heart fills with joy!
Looking for a reflective lesson for your students? Check out this Oh, the Places You'll Go inspired lesson on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
