Full Circle

What I love about the teaching profession

Words by Mandy Williams | Image by Ryan McGill

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.

Looking back, I realize my mother was my first influence as an educator. There was never a time when she wasn’t teaching me something. I vividly remember her helping this young, curly-haired girl create a make-believe classroom. My older sister, Lisa, another inspiration and formal educator, ensured that the imaginary classroom had real materials for an effective teacher: a makeshift grade book, a plethora of red pens, and of course, books!

From Lupton Junior High to Walker High School, I gained more mentors. Teachers there did more than stand in front of a room. Most taught with compassion and gave positive encouragement, yet set high expectations. I didn’t realize it then, but I was impacted in all facets of my life.

I wanted to be like those who guided me, but I had to decide how to make my dream of teaching a reality. Bevill State Community College became my first step to becoming an educator. As a student, I met instructors like Marcia Adkins, who showed me how my perception of a piece of literature could change with the experiences in my life. She and others taught me how to make connections with content. I learned to evaluate material not only from my perspective but from the perspective of others. My desire to teach was affirmed. I was in the right place. I committed to a major in secondary education. After two years at Bevill State, I earned teaching credentials at the University of Montevallo and a master’s degree from UAB.

Freshly graduated and fully energized, the world was at my fingertips. I could go anywhere to teach; however, I longed to give back to the same community that offered so much to me. In 2002, I was offered a teaching job at Walker High School. I was hired as an adjunct at Bevill in 2005, and since 2016, I have been employed as a full-time instructor.

I am living my dream. The place that inspired me to fulfill my lifelong goal is where I try to inspire others today. I strive to give my students the same guidance and encouragement I received.

Teaching isn’t just lecturing on content; it’s bringing content to life by showing its relevance. It’s giving students a chance to learn who they are and allowing them to contemplate how they feel about it.

I am beyond blessed when I think of my professional career. I have, in a way, come full circle. I truly love the profession I chose. Even more so, I am thankful for the place where I’m allowed to practice it. 78

Mandy Williams is an English instructor at Bevill State Community College in Jasper.