Pres. Letter

In August 1972, I walked into my first classroom. And now...here I am...34 years later and about to begin another year of teaching. There have been lots of changes in the teaching field in those 34 years. I have been introduced to "new and wonderful ideas" in teaching...just to see them packed up for the "book room" to be replaced by more "new and wonderful ideas". I have seen students grow up and bring their children (and grandchildren) to meet me. I have made lasting friendships of parents, peer teachers, custodians, lunch room workers, and others too numerous to mention. I've also witnessed changes in my personal life: the death of my parents; the arrival of my son, Zach; the horror of a cancer diagnosis and the blessing of recovery; watching Zach graduate and begin his college days at UGA.

After all these years, I still love to teach. I love to watch a child's eyes light up when he/she learns some new tidbit of knowledge. I love it when the Kindergarten students call me the "Book Lady". I love the excitement students show when they tell me about books they have read.

I have accepted the position as President of MAE this year out of gratitude ...gratitude to the teachers who have helped to smooth the road for me when I was a "newbie". Gratitude for the things I tend to take for granted that weren't always there for me: duty-free lunch, grievance policies, the rights to fair dismissal. It's my turn now. It's my turn to be available to do "some smoothing" of some rough roads for the new folk coming into the teaching field.

I can't do it alone. I need the help of each of the members of our organization to do his/her part in the job before us. We have a tremendous responsibility to prepare the students for successful futures. It's hard to carry all that responsibility alone. Each of us needs the support of our peers. MAE helps to provide that support. Join us if you haven't already. Participate if you are already a member. And....welcome to a new year!!!

Lois Tilson
MAE President

We Need You in MAE
With apologies to Dear Old Uncle Sam :-)

MAE President's Letter In August 1972, I walked into my first classroom. And now...here I am...34 years later and about to begin another year of teaching. There have been lots of changes in the teaching field in those 34 years. I have been introduced to "new and wonderful ideas" in teaching...just to see them packed up for the "book room" to be replaced by more "new and wonderful ideas". I have seen students grow up and bring their children (and grandchildren) to meet me. I have made lasting friendships of parents, peer teachers, custodians, lunch room workers, and others too numerous to mention. I've also witnessed changes in my personal life: the death of my parents; the arrival of my son, Zach; the horror of a cancer diagnosis and the blessing of recovery; watching Zach graduate and begin his college days at UGA. After all these years, I still love to teach. I love to watch a child's eyes light up when he/she learns some new tidbit of knowledge. I love it when the Kindergarten students call me the "Book Lady". I love the excitement students show when they tell me about books they have read. I have accepted the position as President of MAE this year out of gratitude ...gratitude to the teachers who have helped to smooth the road for me when I was a "newbie". Gratitude for the things I tend to take for granted that weren't always there for me: duty-free lunch, grievance policies, the rights to fair dismissal. It's my turn now. It's my turn to be available to do "some smoothing" of some rough roads for the new folk coming into the teaching field. I can't do it alone. I need the help of each of the members of our organization to do his/her part in the job before us. We have a tremendous responsibility to prepare the students for successful futures. It's hard to carry all that responsibility alone. Each of us needs the support of our peers. MAE helps to provide that support. Join us if you haven't already. Participate if you are already a member. And....welcome to a new year!!! Lois Tilson MAE President We Need You in MAE With apologies to Dear Old Uncle Sam :-)
E-mail the President Lois Tilson lftilson@charter.net