My WHY

Hey y'all!

My name is Peyton Singletary, and I am a 3rd year teacher in Frisco Texas. Well, first year in Frisco ISD, my first two years were in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. (I'm the brunette in the front)

You know us teachers, I have to start off with my WHY! Keep reading to ride along on the roller coaster with me. ◡̈

 I have always wanted to be a teacher. Let's jump back to the early 2000's when I was amid my all-time academic high. Elementary School. LOL, no, seriously. 1st Grade was the year that got me excited to go to school. I have my teacher, my classmates, and my early achievements to thank for that. Once I learned how to read, I skyrocketed past my expected reading level and my teacher helped me learn to take pride and responsibility in my learning. This was the grade I KNEW I wanted to be a teacher.

I was born and raised by educators in Houston, TX. My mom was a Pre-K teacher for 20 years and now works as an interventionist, my dad has (and I think always will be) a Middle School Coach for Basketball, Football and Track. So yeah, you could say teaching is in my blood. My parents passion and connection with students 20 years later leaves me in awe. However, after getting accepted into Texas A&M, I promised I didn't want to be a teacher anymore, and I decided to get my degree in Communication and Sport Management. Fast forward to post-grad, and I cannot find a SINGLE entry- level job in the sports industry. 8 months later, I found myself in a recruiting office working as an Administrative Assistant. A little far off, don't you think? Oh well, it helped me get my first apartment in Houston! I worked my way up to Staffing Manager, and then eventually I found myself in a sales position. That's where I had to call it quits. I'm talking 4-inch heels, slacks, and a blazer, and 50 story office buildings with absolutely ZERO soliciting/entry without an appointment. I lasted a good year and a half in the corporate world. Goodbye corporate America, hello Texas Teachers of Tomorrow. 

I left my job in March of 2023, and I quickly began working on my teaching certificate (Program is Texas Teachers of Tomorrow—do you get the line now?) and moved back home into my parents’ house. I was working odd jobs here and there and was applying to school districts all over Houston. I also had another city I was applying in… let's just say I wanted to expand my opportunity...yeah... I wanted to expand my opportunity, so I applied to school districts in Dallas as well. Very quickly, one Dallas school called and left me a voicemail. I looked up the school, saw the stats and the ratings and said NOPE. However, I was working a convention at the time and my boss had my phone with her. We were super close, so I trusted her with it. The school calls again and she tells them “yep one minute here she is!” I was terrified because I didn't know how to tell them I did not want to interview with their school. However, beggars cannot be choosers, and this was the only school that had reached out to me and I was already half way through the summer. God had different plans. I scheduled my interview, got the job, moved to Dallas, and was officially a teacher as of July 2023. 

My first two years were spent at a Title 1 school learning how to manage behaviors and determine placements for children. Meanwhile getting my teaching certificate online, and scheduling observations every quarter. It’s honestly all blurred together. It was extremely challenging. I learned a lot about behavior management, how to have crucial conversations, and how to prioritize myself. When a school is overcome by behaviors it makes it near impossible to do the job you were hired to do; teach. My heart was left in that school and I made the bittersweet decision to look elsewhere to prioritize myself and my health. After year two, May 2024, I was officially a certified teacher!

Now, 2 months into my 3rd year and in a new school district, I simply could not be happier. It is so incredibly refreshing to have a classroom full of students that are so eager to learn. My first graders overall this year are so kind, respectful, bright, and most importantly, excited for learning. My team is incredible and my principal's are so on top of it. Not only has this shift made my work life less stressful, but I also actually have energy after school to go do something for myself. I have energy to go walk my dog and even cook dinner nightly! Heck, I’m even writing a blog post right now. I know, some of these sound-like basic tasks, but when you are an empath working at a school flooding with emotions, it is extremely mentally and physically exhausting. Now, I have healthy and positive relationships with my students, their parents, and my coworkers. 

Here’s to my teaching journey so far and to the years to come!

Thank you, Jesus for coming before me and laying my path exactly as you planned for me.

I hope you enjoyed my first blog post. I'm a newbie so please bear with me!
(P.S. Take a peak at my shop!)

Love, Peyton