There is a reason why I’ve been teaching for the past 29 years. And, in case you are wondering – it’s not for the money. Community College educators in North Carolina are paid much lower than the national average. And year after year, public school teachers get larger raises than we do. But, nearly three decades later, I’m still here. And it’s because I love my students! I can’t say I love everything about my job . . . like budgets, schedules, self-studies, etc. But, I really do love teaching. It is so wonderful to take a new group of students in August and then watch them grow and mature to become excellent dental assistants by the summer. We work them harder than they ever thought they could work, but most of them hang in there, graduate and enter the work force. Each year we enroll 28 students in the fall semester. This year we still have 27 students in the program with only seven weeks left to go. That kind of retention rate doesn’t happen by accident. We work hard to identify students who are capable of completing the program. Then, we work hard to help them succeed. I am so proud of my students this year.
When I take my students’ class picture, I usually put my camera on a tripod, set the timer and run to get into the picture. It is great entertainment for the students watching me rush, and trip, and get almost there – just to hear the shutter click while I’m in mid-stride. So, this year I decided to take the lazy way out. My assistant, Karen, came to school and took the picture for me. Thanks, Karen! This was so much easier – but I’m sure not as much fun for the students.
Here they are . . . The Dental Assisting Class of 2008!
This class holds a special place in my heart. They are the last class that I will teach from beginning to end. I will retire at the end of Spring Semester, 2009. Although I will enjoy more free time, I know I’ll miss teaching. And I’ll miss the students who keep me young.
