RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

How does the year fly by so fast? How does the week do the same; here it is Sunday again! Each year (I tend to think in semesters and the year starting in August or September, a result of over fifty years in the classroom in some teaching position) brings changes, and hopefully, each year brings growth.

It was just in August of 2024 that I accepted a part-time position teaching for Apogee Gulf Coast, Alvin campus, a private school beginning its first year of residency in my home town. This school year has been one of the best, including my 34 years at the university level. Teaching English Language skills to ages 10-15, brought me back to my first love–junior high. Currently, I have seven students, who are all really good kids, polite and respectful (the majority of the time…LOL) Seriously, these kids are at school to learn. They find their own joy in the act of learning, are cooperative, and rarely goof off . Yes, you know what is coming next, for this sounds like a farewell. It is.

Because of physical issues (after all, I am eighty; I’m allowed to have them.) I had to choose between holding a regular teaching job and running Rae’s Reads, my bookstore. As part of the Apogee family, I intend to substitute and volunteer as needed, just not be a part of the staff. And, none of this means I will stop teaching. The difference is that it will be short workshops of several hours and on specific topics. Recently I held a Sunday afternoon Poetry Workshop (the third we’ve had) which resulted in a poetry group which will continue to meet at the bookstore “irregularly and spasmodically” throughout the year. Oh, and did I mention there is always food involved?

As I transition into this new chapter of my life (again!), I covet your prayers that through me, God will work his will and prosper my bookstore/bookhub in ways that always glorify Him.

p.s. Maybe now I will have time to blog more often!

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2 responses to “”

  1. Bonnie Kirk Avatar
    Bonnie Kirk

    I admire you lady!! You are an amazing woman.Sent from my iPhone

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  2. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    You had to choose your favorite between your two children, and that’s so tough. I want you to stay healthy and happy, and I know you will find ways to teach wherever you are.

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