MY ROAD TO EDUCATION - PART III

1992 - Present

Airforce and Christian Ministry

Between 1987 and 1992, my life was significantly and deeply impacted by what I would define as a calling from God.  While serving in the United States Air Force, I felt led to pursue Christian ministry as a Pastor.  After completing my undergraduate education during my tenure in the Air Force, I moved on to seminary to learn more about God, the church and the role of a Pastor. 

I attended seminary between 1992 and 1995.  My experiences were amazing, as I was challenged to think deeper and more critically about my life and the pastoral career.  My passion for teaching increased significantly, and I found myself in many situations teaching on a variety of subjects in the church.  As was told to me by numerous adult students, my classes were always thought provoking, action oriented and passionate.  People truly enjoyed my teaching approach and the content that I delivered.  Quite an amazing experience.

1995-2002

This feeback from my peers, parishoners and others affirmed my gift to teach, but did not necessarily affirm my calling to Pastor–two distinctly different careers.  Yet, I continued on the path to pastoring.  I served in many roles in the church as I was being trained and mentored by great men and women.  One of the primary areas that was passed on to me quite frequently was the youth department.   I found that as  I engaged youth, that it was very easy to connect to them and to young adults.  My message seemed to be relevant and exciting for that specific group.  For many years this is the area where most of my focus would be centered.  

Over time, I transitioned from direct church ministry to working with a para-church organization–Young Life International.  Young Life gave me the opportunity to serve as a full time mentor and teacher in a christian context with teenagers.  I had a ball.  My skills in the areas of speaking, relational building, fund-raising, project development, and building campaign projects were enhanced significantly.  At the time, I believed Young Life would be the vehicle that would enable me to work out the details of my passion, but this was not in the cards. 

I eventually accepted a calling at a prestigious and affluent presbyterian church after seven years of working with Young Life.  My role changed significantly as I moved into the  position of assistant pastor of community outreach.  Race Relations, community development, and community service were now my new areas of empahsis.  During the two and a half years in that role, my teaching gift and my passion for it was affirmed more than ever.  It was due to this that I made a decision to pursue a doctorate. 

After serving in Christian ministry full time for nine years, (1993-2002), I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Old Testament at Emory University, located in Atlanta GA.  In November 2002, I made the move to Atlanta from Memphis Tennessee to pursue my dream to teach full time.

All the while I was convinced that my calling in life was to teach, but I had no idea that my gifts and skills would take me to public education.  After living in Atlanta for less than three months, I was offered an opportunity to substitute teach, which led into a para professional position, which later led to a teaching postion, administrative position and then to a founding principal of  a cutting edge public Charter school. 

To make a long story short, my plans changed significantly, but I was flexible enough to hear my inner voice directing me to what I was uniquely designed. Rather than pursuing a Ph.D. in Old Testament, I redirected my energy to the field of public education and eventually completed a doctoral degree in Education.  Ten years prior, I would have never imagined myself as a public school teacher.   Now–I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.  Education is truly where I belong, and every experience leading up to this point has made me a better educator.

Though my path to education was rather unconventional; I am convinced that my experienecs and journey were designed to make me an unconventional educator, and I am very pleased with that.  I look forward to making a great impact in our world as I continue to develop schools and programs that will help young people become competent, conscientious and compassionate global citizens. 

Teaching is the greatest career on the planet!

What are your thoughts?