When I taught at Cal State Fullerton, my position was Lecturer - although I rarely lectured. My classes were small, highly interactive, and exclusively international students who were trying to matriculate into the university. I taught English for Business - business writing, case analysis, business vocabulary, entrepreneurship, etc.
When I taught show choir at Esperanza High School, I was a choreographer. The music teacher taught the girls the music (it was an all-girl choir) and I taught them the "show" part - the dancing and movement that would keep their audiences, and judges, riveted. They performed all year, for the school and for competitions. In our first year, we were third in the area. Not bad. Pretty good, actually.
When I taught (part time) at Olita Elementary School, I was identified by the curriculum I taught - the music teacher. I visited each classroom in the school and taught music theory and performance. We did two shows each year - one for Christmas (you could do that back then) and one patriotic show in the spring. No one said, "Let's make America great again." We were just busy being great.
But, the teaching that has been most instructive has been teaching seminary. Teaching seminary is a voluntary position. It was not a calling when I first started. I was asked if I would like to volunteer. I was Thrilled! I actually was really excited at the prospect of arriving at the church at 5:30 am, preparing for the students who would arrive at about 6:00 am, and sharing a gospel discussion based on scripture for 50 minutes. It was great to have my son in my class.
I've taught seminary for 14 years now. This will most likely be my final year. Not because I don't want to - I love it. But because I feel like it's someone else's opportunity now. And, if I keep doing it, they won't have the chance. And that would be tragic. Because when you teach seminary, you're not the Teacher.
These are the kids in my class this year - the Freshmen in Carrollton Texas Stake. They're taking the assessment for the first semester - a semester exam. The exam was instituted three years ago (I think). It's an opportunity for kids to think about what they've learned - a good thing.
I love these kids. I pray for them every day (almost). Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the feelings that I have when I'm praying for them. It's very clear to me that the Lord knows and loves them. That's one of the things that I love about seminary. It's the Spirit, the scriptures, and the kids. And I get to be there and see what happens. So Cool. It's like a consistent observational opportunity as I watch the Teacher touch the hearts and minds of the learners - me included.
I had these kids when they were freshmen. They're seniors now, heading off into their no-longer-children lives at the end of this next semester. I love them with my whole heart and soul. I want only good things for them. I'm still Facebook friends with some of my former students. It's such a joy to see them still learning and growing - because in healthy, curious people that never stops.
I wonder what's next for me. I want to be sure that I still invest myself in the scriptures. I want the companionship of the Teacher. I want to learn and grow and somehow still teach... so I can still learn... and grow...
