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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

How I survived the “floating” year is
truly unexplainable. It was an unpleasant
experience, and I felt like an outcast all
year, It was physically exhausting and
mentally stressful, and the thoughts of
another year as a floating teacher left me
deflated.
This is where Mr. Morgan came to
the rescue. He was about to begin his
last year of teaching. After 30 years,
he was finally retiring. He was the
most beloved Grade 7 science teacher
at Arnold Middle School and the only
male in the department. I had no idea
how knowing this man would influence
Wynne Anderson my career. We did not interact during the school day because he was on a Grade
is a retired science 7 team and I was on a Grade 8 team. We exchanged conversations during science
educator, former department meetings and faculty meetings. He was a professional colleague. But
Assistant Director
of the Challenger when Mr. Morgan found out that I was assigned to be a floating teacher again
Learning Center at the during his final year of teaching, he did something straight out of the selfless-saint
University of Tennessee book! He privately went to the principal and requested to be the floating teacher…
at Chattanooga, as long as I was given his classroom. The man gave up his classroom for ME!
grant supervisor for a There were 42 teachers in that building, and Mr. Morgan—the retiring, seasoned
mentoring program for professional educator—was the one who stepped up.
children of incarcerated
parents, and education Mr. Morgan had no way of knowing that I had decided to leave Arnold Middle
specialist for teenage School and that this floating situation had me considering leaving the teaching
males. Now a certified profession. His altruistic gesture changed my mind about the profession. I now saw
meditation teacher, something profoundly worthy in being a teacher. I wanted to be an educator. Thank
Level 2 Reiki therapist, you, Mr. Morgan.
and a published author, Many similar savior stories are never told … but they deserve to be told. It
she is a new member
of Alpha Xi Chapter is important to share your own experiences with your colleagues. Not only is it
of Tennessee State important to share experiences but also to engage in ongoing, compassionate savior
Organization. She behaviors that contribute to the overall professional growth and well-being of
has a daily meditation beginning educators. Seasoned support truly makes a difference, and the benefits
and yoga practice that are reciprocal. I have great gratitude and appreciation for the thousands of Ms.
inspires her writing and Dennises and Mr. Morgans in our profession—educators doing great things every
her teaching practice.
houndhappy2@gmail. day without fanfare or compensation. You may be one of them! Or you may have
com benefited from the direction and guidance of a Ms. Dennis or Mr. Morgan in your
early career. Remember, every beginning teacher eventually becomes a seasoned
professional if, along the way, they have their own saviors. Who was yours?

24 · Volume 89-2