Joy Botting
I am originally from New York, and I have always wanted to become a teacher. Even in kindergarten I wanted to be like my teacher. I would line up my stuffed animals and teach them various skills and subjects. In fourth and fifth grade, I started tutoring students. For I always knew teaching was my calling.
Keeping that end goal in mind, I always did well in school despite the circumstances that may have existed. My family was not wealthy and could only do what was necessary, yet I excelled. Despite the fact that I was enrolled in a high school that was full of crime and that was on the No Child Left Behind Act’s “Needs Improvement” list all the years I attended, I still managed to take advantage of the programs that they offered: I took gifted classes in art and music, and I learned how to play the clarinet and made All-County Band. As a teenage mother, I still graduated valedictorian of my high school class. Being successful is something that lives inside of me.
My family moved to South Georgia when my parents retired. It was a smart move for me to make because it allowed me to focus primarily on my education and my daughter. For my college education, I enrolled at Georgia Military College and then transferred to Valdosta State University.
Valdosta State University was the greatest college experience I ever had. Valdosta State has very well prepared me to enter the education workforce. My preparation program focused on strategies and school models that were research-based. Best of all, every class that I took has been meaningful since I started working. My professors have shared their experiences, making it a little less stressful and allowing me to “know what to expect.” There haven’t been any surprises. I appreciate the work, and I appreciate that the professors have chosen curricula that mirrors what exists in Georgia’s public schools.
I am now a very content third grade teacher at North Brooks Elementary in Morven, Georgia and hope to be for a very long time.