Teaching Beneath His Wings: An Academic Memoir

By Nancy Lorine Givens

This book is to share the experiences of a praying school teacher, to impart the wisdom and knowledge learned along thirty-eight years journey. To inspire those in the classroom not to give up (follow your dream) and remind those considering entering the academy of teaching that it is not an occupation to be taken lightly. The book also strives to inform parents how instrumental they are in their childs education. The heart, body, mind and soul must be invested into shaping the lives of young youth in America today. No doubt the classroom has changed over the course of these thirty years, but the goal, the aim, and mission remain the same, to light the lamp of ingenuity, inspire curiosity, nurture critical thought, and remind us all that we are brilliant, bright scholars in the eyes of the Lord. I pray that each life reading this text changes in ways beyond measure. Remember the adage each one, teach one, and knowledge will spread like fire. Teaching Beneath His Wings is not an autobiography, but it does have anecdotes from my life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477257685

Nancy Lorine Givens

Ms. Nancy Lorine Givens the second child and daughter of Otha and Rosa Warren birthday is February third. The sanctity of the warmth Nancy felt in her family fashioned the character within her. She came from a family of avid servant leaders of Jesus Christ. Ms. Givens was under the tutelage, of her mother by faithfully attending Miles Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Crockett, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Prairie View A&M University with honors1967. She matriculated to several institutions of higher education, which include Texas Southern University (Elementary Education Certification 1971), and Post Baccalaureate Studies 1975. In addition to her enthusiasm for education, she attended University of Texas Institute of Christian Studies 1999. The Texas native had an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Ms. Givens participated in the Henry Levin’s study of the Effectiveness of Accelerated Schools and participated with the Dana Center. She participated in the U Teach Program at The University of Texas at Austin. In the summer of 2000, she participated in the Southwest Regional Center for Accelerated Schools Power Learning Lab. Also, she collaborated with colleagues, external coaches, and Dana Center content specialists. She agreed to serve on the Barrington Elementary Principal Selection Committee. This committee’s work is extremely pertinent to the future of the school. She brings to the text her extensive years of experience teaching writing. As a fourth grade teacher at Sims Elementary 1986, Ms. Givens wrote the Language Arts and Reading Strategies for the Austin Independent School District fourth grade curriculum, “Scope and Sequence.” She facilitated teachers writing in-service programs also, selected to attend Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Curriculum in-service and taught Balanced Literacy. Also, she supervised student teachers in the classroom from The University of Texas at Austin for years; chaired academic cadre’ and served as grade level chair person. During the summer of 1993, Ms. Givens coordinated a successful summer school program and provided leadership for the school in the absence of the principal. Therefore, Ms. Givens was the summer school principal at Sims Elementary the year 1993. Also during her post retirement year of 2008-2009, she became a part of the Pearce Middle School faculty and staff to teach sixth grade language arts. Never say never because returning graciously to the classroom to teach was truly a new era in her life that she never dreamed. Ms. Givens echoes, “Teaching is a love that comes from the heart and is certainly a noble and honorable profession”. The profession does not offer stock options or exotic travel opportunities, but some of the perks of being a teacher can be invaluable. For example, can anything challenge with pride that comes from learning that your students have gone on to lead successful, productive lives? The evidence of faith shown during the students’ undefeated prosperous careers one must be overwhelmed. Therefore, she decided, to spend most of her career in an honorable profession, because of the lives she would impact. One point Ms. Givens is confident of, she will never be aware of the number of lives she touched along her teaching journey. She is a woman with many passions and teaching is one that she has always had, and truly loves.

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© 2012 by Nancy Lorine Givens. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/26/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5769-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5767-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5768-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012914241

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1

An Academic Memoir’ Beneath His Wings

Chapter 2

My Challenge

Chapter 3

The Role of the Teacher and Parent

Chapter 4

Curriculum Design

Chapter 5

My Experiences

Chapter 6

Reflections

About The Author

Dedication

There is not enough paper or ink to dedicate this book to the loved ones who have inspired me. In as much as, it is with unconditional love in that I dedicate my first book to the memory of my mother, Mrs. Rosa Lorine Douglass, a Christian, an educator, and a missionary who was an inspiration to me in my academic persistence. She is the one who shared with me the joys of life and showed me how to depend on God. God be with her as she rests in peace, in His arms.

My mother declared that one day I would be an Outstanding Teacher, and it has, in actuality, become true. I received an award stated, This is to certify that Nancy Lorine Givens is an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for 1975 in recognition of contributions to the advancement of elementary education and service to the community.

It is with gratefulness I dedicate this book to the memory of a special one, my brother Barcus, known as Pastor Adams (who is in the bosom of the Lord), an older brother who exemplified love and compassion toward others.

Most importantly I dedicate my teaching to God. He said, Go, therefore, and teach all nations… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commended: and lo, I am with you always… (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV). Also, remember, One can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13) is my belief.

Acknowledgements

I would like to take pleasure in acknowledging my loved sisters and brother, (Ruth, Thelma, also Edgar) for being there for me during my educational journey. To my adorable, beautiful daughters Loria and Uneeda who are the answer to my prayer, thanks for your unconditional love throughout my teaching career. A delightful acknowledgement to my three admirable grandsons Marcel, Laurent, and Michael Ewing who have been my inspiration to reach as high as the stars would allow! Thanks to my loveable ‘blessing from God’ great-grandson David who has been with me from cooing to him talking and playing.

Thanks to my loved ones for their imprinted immeasurable support, encouragement, and love that indelibly is in my heart forever. In this like manner, acknowledgements to friends for your patience, never the less, most of all respect for my desires.

Introduction

The exciting features, written in this book, make the role of the teacher and parent an enthralling journey. Likewise, every page in this book is to enhance the knowledge of motivational techniques and strategies in teaching. It is teachers, for whom teaching has become a sense of courage and contentment, (happiness in one’s teaching environment) who continue to follow their dream. I think, I would have kindled a real difference in their life. This is an exceedingly practical book for understanding mathematics, reading and writing strategies while teaching your child at home. Whenever one reads this book, Teaching Beneath His Wings, one will encounter the fullness, and splendor of teaching, following one’s dream! Please note that names used in this book of students and teachers are fictitious.

Chapter 1

"An Academic Memoir’

Beneath His Wings"

This book is an invaluable reference written not only for teachers of all subject areas even though for any audience with the emphasis targeted to parents and administrators, who have a passion in reaching both the urged minds and hearts of students of today. In the present book, teachers have recommendations for the implementations required in order to be an excellent teacher in the following areas; classroom instruction, classroom management, classroom arrangement, classroom discipline, and other related categories. This is an inspiringly matter-of-fact book for comprehending mathematics, reading and writing strategies while teaching at home.

One source was to encourage prospective teachers to demonstrate excellent teaching strategies, behavior strategies, motivational techniques, as well as, other requirements necessary to support their interest and desire to become a teacher.

The other source is unique; I sought the Lord for my academic career. After praying and listening to His voice, then persuaded by faith into the calling God had ordained for me, was teaching. The Lord innately called me to be a teacher in a dream. In the dream, there was a rainbow in the sky, an old school house, and many faces of children, with the sound of laughter while I was sitting beneath a tree reading from an enormous book with lots of words and pictures.

Many times during the thirty eight-plus years of teaching students, elementary through high school, I was motivated, influenced, and stimulated to write my book. Therefore, it is a rich experience for me to share my vision of teaching.

Throughout the time during my professional career (teaching) I had a remarkable symbolism for learning, a burning lamp, sitting safely in the front entrance on a stand, in the classroom. A student would turn the lamp on each morning, indicating that teaching is in the cognitive thinking stage of the learning process. The cognitive thinking skills are most applicable for success. Likewise, many interrelated cognitive skills contribute to educational and occupational success. The same student turns the lamp off at dismissal, awaiting the arrival of the next school day.

A lamp is like a teacher that first provides the words, which kindles love of learning in children’s minds and hearts. So like a burning lamp, teachers light the attention of students, enriching lives and futures, by the sharing of their knowledge. When teachers light this lamp, may its glow convey to students’ heartfelt appreciation for everything teachers do.

I think the teacher is like the lamp that first provides the brightness that kindles the love of learning, in students’ mind and soul. A teacher continuously learning through classes, workshops, in-service meetings, educational books, and advanced degrees will emit brightness in the classroom daily. I would whisper a silent prayer to God throughout the work day to prepare me with the wisdom and knowledge to bring forth understanding (light) throughout my guided lessons and subjects taught.

Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. (Psalm 119-105 CEV)

The lamp of a good person keeps on shinning. (Proverbs 13:9 CEV)

It is my recommendation that perhaps this book can be a model for the parents, student teachers, novice teachers and other teachers, to achieve, advance, and to help them succeed throughout their teaching career. I found that to be a teacher would be an excellent, positive, experience. The execution of teaching would be gratifying to the development of the minds of both teachers and students.

In the following pages in this book my intentions have been to share my experiences, reflections, faith, and spiritual guidance, which have enhanced my life as a teacher. My greatest desire is that, within the pages of this book, it will provide insight for both your hopes and dreams. Therefore, follow your dream because it is a brilliant responsibility being a teacher. Remember to share this book with others in the teacher’s lounge, while visiting with family, friends or traveling.

A Tiny Thought

The air was refreshing billowing against the white classic single family home on Spring Street, which sat between the spacious, green yard, and the flourishing large, colorful, flower garden. There was a towering pine tree that had a large homemade swing that swayed easily while I sat waiting to teach my sister and brothers in Crockett, Texas, in the picturesque East Texas piney woods of Houston County, my home town. In the brisk evenings, it was not uncommon for me to set up an entire classroom to play school. Beneath the towering pine tree was the classroom, there were books from a collection of short stories, nursery rhythms and coloring books. A desk for me also, pencils, paper, and crayons for Ruth, Barcus, and Edgar to use while teaching my sister and brothers. My brother Barcus used his large red wagon for the school bus and parked the bus beneath the towering pine tree. As a child, I cherished a tiny thought playing school in the evenings while nurturing my dream.

What an enthralling moment as I write about my life