Chapter 12: A Doctorate, a Baby, and a Professorship: Oh My! It’s All About Perspective

From the time that I began pursuing an undergraduate degree in elementary education at a nearby state university, a tiny seed had been planted in my mind that I would love to be a university professor. I admired my own college professors, most of whom are faded memories at this point, but as an undergraduate, the thought quickly escaped my mind and that tiny little seed remained un-watered for years.

Fast forward to my third year teaching when I decided to pursue a master’s degree at my second state university. I was intimidated and excited at the thought of being back in school, and it was within my very first course that I met a professor (who happens to be the editor of this book) who would become an instrumental voice in my journey. We were about halfway through the 16-week course on curriculum, instruction, and the community when Dr. Kemp asked me to stay after class because he wanted to talk to me.