It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, I was graduating from UD, a moment that had seemed to distant for year. The completion of my first year of teaching was another one of those monumental life achievements that always seemed just within reach as my the slow-motion rendition of my not-so-slow-motion life played out in my head. I sit here, with only 3 exam days separating me and from SUMMER BREAK, yet, I can't help but look forward to next year.
I am anxious, excited, and hopeful about the opportunities the await me next year. However, the opportunities that lie ahead lie not at Worthington Christian, but rather at Thomas Worthington High School! I was was given the opportunity to start an Autism Unit, or what is known as a Structured Communication Learning Center. Though I can't picture a day without the hysterics of my 16 kids and the support of a loving and warm staff, I am THRILLED to be joining a team of amazing, knowledgeable, involved, wonderful special ed. teachers at TWHS. I am trusting that God has big plans for me as I just head-first into what is bound to be another adventure.
If you had told me that I would be starting my second year of teaching at a second school, I would have probably laughed in your face. When the kids, or even other adults ask "why", I can simply say that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that was given to me as a second year teacher and I know that I will be kicking myself for the rest of my life if I walk away from it. I also tell them that sometimes we don't know why God calls us, but as long as we know the where, and we follow, we can't go wrong. I am trying to constantly remind myself of my own advice.
Below, you will find the letter that I sent to staff...I think it does a good job of capturing my heart regarding this decision. Thank you for your continued support and May God make the "where" in your life clear to you, each and every day.
From a WCHS Warrior to a TWHS Cardinal,
Ms. Phillips
__________
Friends,
I hope you are managing to tough out this awful rainy weather. If you are anything like me, you are waiting with anticipation for the sun and warm weather to resurface. For those of you not in Devotions this morning, I wanted to give you an update:
I cannot believe that the year is nearly over; how it has flown by! I have found it to be a wonderful year and am so thankful for all of the opportunities that it has brought. I believe that God truly brought me to Worthington Christian for my first year of teaching for many reasons. I have found such a strong support system in each and every one of the teachers, staff, parents, and students alike. I cannot thank you enough for the gift that you have given me through providing your support. You all have taught me what it means to make teaching your ministry. There is no other place that I would have rather spent my first year of teaching.
I wanted to inform you of the opportunity that I have been given. I have been asked to start an Structured Communication Learning Center at Thomas Worthington High School. This is essentially an autism unit that focuses on helping students with communication and social skills. God has truly given me a heart for students with exceptionalities, particularly those with Autism. I couldn’t help but question God though, as I have truly made a home at Worthington Christian. I was welcomed with open arms and have been so blessed to know each and every person that I have met over this last year. Though I am extremely sad to leave and do not know what God has in store, through much prayer and consideration, I am sure that God has great plans for me and is calling me to trust him on this new journey that he has called me on. I know that I must follow Him and trust that he knows better than I.
I feel as if God has used me to initiate many things over the past years. The hard part is, often to call me out prior to me getting to see the seeds that I have planted in full bloom. However, I know that God will bless that and that he does not need me to fulfill his work, but rather chooses to use me; this is something that he continues to humbly remind me of. Know that is not easy for me to say goodbye and I feel as if I am walking away as not only a better educator, but a better person, and each of you are to thank.
I will miss you all more than words can say, as I have truly formed life-long friendships here. But don’t worry, you can’t get rid of me that easily…I will be back to visit. I will continue to pray for each of you and that you may find rest and renewal this summer.
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