In 2005 I joined the ranks of the Clay County School District as a 4th grade classroom assistant. I signed on to work at the newest elementary school in the district. It was definitely an eye opener. I developed more respect for authority then in my previous 20 years of corporate work. Overall, the classroom  was such a great experience that I jumped in with both feet and decided to become a substitute teacher. I worked full-time at another new school while volunteering at my son's elementary school. Somewhere along the way, things became more difficult than I had bargained for and I gave myself a much needed break the month of December. It's funny how the more you need a break the less you seem to get one, especially during the holidays. In January, our family suffered a set back when my dad had open heart surgery.  Which brings me back to teaching. Why do people do it? I ask myself that everytime I accept an assignment. Then I remember, I just want to help. I want to help the teacher who cannot be in the class. I want to help the students who will miss their teacher. I want to help the school because Clay County Schools have a steadfast repuration. That's why we hold a mortgage on a home in Clay County. So our son can go to a top-rated school system. I think that's a good reason to teach.