During my freshman year, I was torn between a major in music or art. In the spring of that first year, my advisor, then chair of the art department, affirmed my talents in the field. However, my lack of skill in sight singing tipped my decision towards a major in visual arts.

After graduation, I moved back home to Birmingham, Alabama and attended Samford University, taking education courses to receive my Alabama Teacher’s Certificate. I was unable to find a teaching job right away as I was applying to be a special area teacher (art, music, media, etc.) and most schools only have one who stays for many years.

Meanwhile, I started a position in corporate sales at an art gallery. I worked with architects, interior designers, and business people to select and install art in public spaces. Still, I wanted to teach. I felt called by God to teach and while still working as an art dealer, I pursued my master’s degree in art education.

My first teaching job was at a rural high school and the stipulation for accepting the job was also teaching drama. I had never even taken a drama class, but I wanted the job so badly I agreed. I taught both art and drama classes for three years and even produced two plays and a musical. I worked at that school for five years, until life circumstances made it necessary for me to find a job closer to home. I was hired for the job I have currently, and have had for twenty years now, teaching art in a fourth and fifth grade public elementary school. I teach over 800 students each week. From my experience, every teacher must have skills adapting to circumstances and be willing to allow students to inform and inspire decision-making to be successful.

Professional development is a requirement for all educators. Mandatory requirements may include technology, behavioral exceptionalities, legal issues, classroom management and a wide array of topics. I control my own professional development in my specialized area.

Most states and some large cities have an Art Education Association, most often affiliated with NAEA, the National Art Education Association. Aspiring teachers are encouraged and welcome to attend. Another good resource for professional development is the local art museum, which may host teacher workshops. TheArtofEd.com is my favorite website for practical and pedagogical information and also offers online classes. I use the website Artsonia.com to keep student portfolios and see what other art educators are doing across the country.

If I could recommend one book to all aspiring educators, it would be Parker J. Palmer’s The Courage to Teach. Read what you are passionate about. I learned early on that enthusiasm is contagious. If you are not excited about what you are teaching, your students will not be either.

The main prerequisite for being a teacher is to love children. For those interested in the field of education, I recommend volunteering or working with children of various ages in a learning environment such as a day camp, community program, or private school. If possible, go back to teachers you have had and volunteer to help in a live classroom or in preparation for the next school year.

I wish I had known few career paths are straight. I was hard on myself because I was not sure what I wanted to do and did not get into my chosen career right after college.

We each have our own journey with so many variables. I wish I had realized that not getting a teaching job right away was good because it allowed me to mature, to be sure that I wanted to teach, and to try out some other options. Returning to graduate school several years after graduation from Furman gave me greater appreciation and respect for the opportunity.

Job interviews are hard. Go on as many as you can and make notes immediately after an interview to prepare for the next one. Rehearse answers to questions you might be asked. Ask someone to do a mock interview with you. Of course it is best to be yourself but the better you are prepared, the more confident you will be.

The school system where I work is highly regarded and therefore has many applicants for any given job. Excellent teachers have started as para-educators, even though they were qualified to be full teachers. The willingness to take a lower position and salary is often a way to enter an industry that is highly competitive.

Teaching is not the most lucrative job. Learn how to manage money. Know there are many options in the field of education in which you can make a more substantial salary, but if you have a heart and a passion for teaching, nothing is better than being in the classroom.

How has your liberal arts background shaped your career path or supported your success?

I would not trade anything for my liberal arts education. While Furman was a challenging, fun, and magical time in my life, I can look back and see the value was so far greater than I could appreciate at the time. My advisor truly gave me great advice. One thing he told me early on was, “learn to write.” My first employer told me later that my writing ability helped me earn the job.

A Furman education is so much more than the classroom experience. It taught me how to think for myself, how to debate, how to interact with people who were different from me, how to stand up and talk in front of a group and the importance of having an open mind. It instilled in me the quest to be a life-long learner. I am thankful for the friends I made, many of whom I stay in touch with, for the professors who mentored me, and for the opportunities to stay connected to Furman as an alumna.

Any final advice for students or recent grads?

One of the great attributes of being a Furman My final advice for students and recent grads is to be patient, stay open and willing for new opportunities, and allow your life to unfold. You have a firm foundation in your education. Use your resources and continue to learn, study, and make connections.