Disclaimer – I really wanted to make a cool animation to introduce myself, but this was what I had time for today after the kids were in bed. Thanks for understanding.
Hi, everyone. My name is Jeanne Garvey. I live in Collingswood, NJ. I have a BA in English from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and my Masters in Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania. My first job out of graduate school was at Haddon Heights High School where I worked for six years. It was a wonderful experience. I had my daughter, Sasha, in 2006. Being a working mom was overwhelming for me. I wanted so much to be the best teacher and the best mom, and I was a bundle of nerves the entire year.
At the end of the 2008 school year, I decided to give up my position as a teacher in order to stay home and raise my family. This was without a doubt the hardest decision I have ever made. As I walked out of school on my last day, I truly felt like I was losing my identity. For months I was plagued with feelings of shame and uselessness. Eventually I came to terms with my role as a stay-at-home mom. I had a son, Owen, in 2009 and he has kept me very busy. I have come to cherish this time I have had with my children while they are young, and I count myself very lucky.
At this point, I have been away from teaching for almost five years. The time has come for me to get back to work. This coming school year I will be actively searching for a new teaching position. I am both excited and scared. I am excited to return to my calling. Nothing gets my blood pumping like talking about a great book, helping students research topics they are passionate about, or encouraging them to express their ideas. At the same time, I will need to learn to juggle home life and school more effectively.
A lot has changed since I have been in the classroom. There are so many exciting tools to help make the classroom a more engaging place. I truly look forward to hearing all of your ideas and perspectives. Thanks for helping me get back in the saddle.
Hi, Heather,
Thank you for posting this and your honest sharing. I am a new mother to a 2-month old son. Before he was born I entered my fifth year as an elementary school principal. I am not returning to that role for the remainder of the school year and will be home with him. I already feel as though I’m “out of the loop” in some sense because I have been out of the position for these past few months, but I’m trying to seize the opportunity to stay current and involved, and #etmooc is the perfect way to do it! Kudos to you for taking the challenge, and congrats on your work and accomplishments as a mother!
Thanks, Lyn. I’m glad I can play with all of this new info and technology before I go back. I think I will be more likely to use it and stay connected if I already am comfortable. Otherwise, it could be really overwhelming.
Great introduction. Thanks for sharing. I think it is admirable that as you head back to teaching, you are taking this MOOC! Wow, so many teachers who have been teaching 10+ years would never to this (an many would not even be able to truly understand the concept). I am sure that you will learn a lot, and be a valuable hire when you start teaching again. Good luck on this journey!
Thanks! Can I use that on my resume?