This was a WordPress prompt from a couple weeks back. Go figure. The attention span of a fruit fly!

What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

#interesting

I agree. I had this conversation with someone at our school a few days ago. We were talking about coaching and some of the things that we’ve been doing with the girls. She made the statement, “We need you here. This is what our girls need.”

#wow

I was humbled for sure. However, it got me thinking about the choices I’ve made in life. As I was graduating college, I didn’t know that I’d love to coach as much as I do. I didn’t know it would become a life passion of mine, that idea of teaching on a court instead of a classroom. One different career path I might have taken is that of coaching at a high level. I’d have loved to have been a grad assistant at Winona State, then, found an entry-level position at a college or larger high school and moved my way up. I’d love to have been able to make money as a coach, rather than feel like I’m donating time because my coaching salary is so small. True, I’m a middle school coach, so I should not be complaining, and yes, I do make a little bit of money. However, I look at major college coaches, and the money they are making, and I get a little jealous. Again, I’m still doing something that I love, and you can’t discount that passion.

The other path I’ve thought about taking is being on the radio. I walked past the college station and just couldn’t go through the door because I didn’t know anyone in the studio (I know, lame). I would have loved to have been a sports announcer. Growing up, we’d work outside and listen to Jim Zable, an iconic sports announcer on WHO Radio out of Des Monies. The passion in his voice describing Hawkeye football is something I will never forget. And now, it’s Gary Dolphin doing the play-by-play with some epic calls .

More recently, it’s been coding and computer science. With my new position, the classroom teacher isn’t playing as much of a role in this part of education, which means my skills have deteriorated, but the idea of creating is an intriguing one to me. I’ve still got a few skills remaining, so I’ve started work again on my nerd room, getting some leftover components from my daughter and a family friend to start practicing code again. Along with the idea of coding, podcasting is another “alternative” career path.

My time as a teacher has been one of ups and downs for sure, and honestly, I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s given me so many learning opportunities and chances to teach with some truly amazing educators.

Like the prompt, they are things I’ve considered in my years here on this earth. I’ve always fallen back to teaching, and will continue to do so until I feel I need to move on! 🙂