Early Beginnings
Grandma took this picture
I can remember the first lesson I taught. It was in my parent’s garage at about age five. My pupil was my younger cousin, and I taught her how to jump rope. It’s amazing how I still feel that initial feeling of satisfaction, excitement, and passion today while teaching.
Growing up I found myself idolizing my teachers. I told my mother in 2nd grade that I wanted to be a teacher, because I had the best most inspiring 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Takkunen. It’s been pretty clear from a young age that a life of teaching and serving others would be my path and passion.
The Real World
After college, I was ready to make it in the real world. I snagged a great teaching job in a small high-poverty rural school district. I was lucky to even get hired. I applied to almost 40 schools, but many were not hiring as it was the middle of the recession. This school district came with many challenges, as well as much fulfillment. My first year teaching was the hardest year of my life. I barely slept trying to keep up with my students. By the end of the year, I had actually become a teacher. I have my students to thank for the lack of sleep, and the grit they taught me. The students and school grew on me, and I stayed with the district for 6 years.
Two years ago, after the birth of my daughter, I had to resign from my teaching position in Oregon. I miss the students and still feel the desire to teach reading and writing, and thus this side-hustle was born. It’s really a means to spend more time doing what I love: teaching and being a mother.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Halcumb
“Your Favorite Teacher At Your Kitchen Table”
