“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10
Their names were Jeanette, Barbara and Linda, and they were my co-teachers during my first 3 years of teaching. Right out of college, I was green and inexperienced, but these ladies took me under their wings and helped me so much.
I’ll never forget the day that Linda showed me her method for teaching math. When I expressed my frustration at trying to reach this group of unruly 4th graders, she lovingly asked if I’d like her to demonstrate for me. There was no accusation such as, “You don’t know what you’re doing, so I’m going to show you!” In her gentle, loving way she showed me how to do it in one 45-minute session, and it worked for me for the next 13 years of teaching. Thank you, Linda, for being my wonderful math mentor and making math fun for me, as well as my students.
Jeanette taught me how to teach reading by inspiring children to want to read! She accurately convinced me that if I could get my students excited about reading books by certain authors, they’d be knocking down the library door to find them. Jeanette was right! I used that teaching approach throughout my career. I still have adults who say I’m the one who turned them on to reading! Thank you, my friend, for teaching me how to teach children the love of reading!
Barbara was next door to me and I’ll never forget her kindness to me. She was always there to lend a hand, let me borrow supplies, and offer encouragement. I cringe when I remember some of the things I said and did as a young teacher, but Barbara was always helpful to me and lifted my spirits. I knew she was someone I could go to if I needed anything. Thank you, Barbara, for being my friend!
These ladies made a big difference in my life as a young teacher, and I’m forever grateful! Thank you, God, for placing them in my path to help me learn and grow. I pray to be that light for others!
Susan Easttom, Director of Family Ministries
