Q&A With University Of Mobile School Of Education Professor Brenda Chastain

Mobile AL

15 April, 2022

10:35 AM

Description

Press release from the University of Mobile: April 14, 2022 Now, as she prepares to retire from a 43-year career that includes teaching and administrative experiences from PreK through college, she has a message for future teachers. "Have passion for what you are teaching, and make each day bright for your students," she says. We talked with Chastain about teaching future teachers at the University of Mobile, the importance of the teaching profession, and her retirement plans. Q: You have had a variety of experiences in education. Tell us about your journey. A: I have wonderful memories of my years in the public school system, where my roles included special education and elementary education teacher, elementary and middle school counselor, assistant principal, academic transformation specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative regional in-service specialist, Title I school facilitator, and PreK-8th grade administrator. My background includes a B.S. in special education and elementary education, M.S. in elementary education and school counseling, Ed.S. education specialist in education leadership K-12, and 18 hours of doctoral studies. Q: You taught in the UM School of Education for 15 years. As you look toward retirement in May 2022, what has made teaching here special? A: The University of Mobile School of Education was the path I needed, and I didn't even know it until I came to work as an adjunct and full-time faculty member! I have often heard "we plan and God laughs!" The University of Mobile provided me with a full-circle career. I began teaching Special Ed in 1978 and remained in the classroom until 1990. After working in school counseling and in administration, my path to UM led me back to teaching. Our faculty and staff have always been professional and welcoming, but most of all friendly and a blessing to work with, which makes coming to campus that much more enjoyable! The students INSPIRE me! They are confident, polite, and make me glad to know I am helping to shape the future teachers of America! This press release was produced by the University of Mobile. The views expressed here are the author's own.