Me, Myself, & I

Just JoEllen. Years ago my principal had us start out the year by using the first letter in our name to introduce ourselves.  J was a tough one.  Something that starts with J that would describe me. Then it hit me. Just. That is it. That is who I am. I am just JoEllen. Sure I can think of lots of ways to describe myself (and a few ways I have been described), but in the end, it is just me, just JoEllen.  I am good with that. Just JoEllen has gotten me this far, and just JoEllen will guide my future adventures. And this my friends, is a future adventure. One that I am so excited to share with my bestie, Toni McGee, and those who come along for the ride. We are so glad that you are here. 

Ms. JoEllen, Ms. Pauls, JoEllen Pauls. I was late to the teaching profession, starting just shy of my 30th birthday.  I started out at UW-Oshkosh, later transferring to Edgewood College.  I hold a B.A. in Early Childhood Exceptional Education Needs. And like many fellow educators, I have completed  a plethora of continuing education courses, certifications, trainings, and countless hours of professional development.   My career includes stints with United Migrant Opportunity Services, Waisman Center, Head Start, and Dane County Birth to Three, before I found my forever gig  in the Early Childhood Special Education classroom, later 4K, but always in special education, in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District. Early in my career I chose to become more active in our local union.  I was elected as a Union representative, later serving as Union Vice-President, and Union President.  Currently, I have rediscovered the joy that is teaching, in my own community, subbing  in the elementary school. 

There was a time in my career when I could not imagine retiring. I honestly remember joking that I would teach until I could no longer independently get off the floor (we spend a lot of time on the floor in early childhood education). But here I am 57, retired at 55. Unfiltered and unemployed. For you monty python fans, “I’m not dead yet!”  I have so much more to give. I was once told by my supervisor that my problem was that I over advocated for my students. I am an over advocator. Taking that skill on the road with my girl Toni and we are going to advocate the hell out of public education and everything we love about teaching. Take a seat, cause we got some work to do. Love, Ms. Pauls