Meet Me, Coach Long!

Welcome to Coach Long's Class! 

I am excited to begin a new school year at The Jefferson Academy, where I am thrilled to share my love for physical fitness and community with my students and coworkers. Below, you will find a brief background about myself, which I encourage you to read. Please continue to visit my class blog in order to stay updated on current events in my class this year!

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I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, after which I lived in Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, and West Virginia. Growing up in a military family has allowed me to experience life in a way that many people do not get to. For instance, I have seen a variety of cultures, and met a variety of people. Although I moved many times and had to leave friends behind, I have lifelong friends who are all very different. Because of this lifestyle, I have become very close with my family and I have always relied on the strength of God's love to keep me going through the difficult times.

Being close to my family has always been important to me, which is why I decided to attend the University of South Alabama. After moving to Mobile, Alabama from Spanish Fort, Alabama, which is where my family lived, my father was promoted to a government position in Washington D.C. Although my sister still lived in Mobile, my parents moved 1,000 miles away. I have always had to say "goodbye", but this time was very difficult, but it was allowed me to grow into a stronger, more independent woman. While living in Mobile, I found a love for serving those with disabilities and special needs. By doing this, I feel as though I have become a more selfless person. Although I was no longer close in distance to my family, I could not have been any more happy with my decision to attend the University of South Alabama. I loved South Alabama so much that I decided to obtain my Master's Degree in English as a Second Language, which I will complete in December 2017.

As aforementioned, I moved frequently while growing up, but I always seemed to love school because my teachers welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. When someone wonders why I want to be a teacher, my answer is always the same. I am going to change the lives of children; I am going to change the world. Teaching has always been something that I have been passionate about, beginning at an early age while playing school with stuffed animal students. I have taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, bible studies, and many other varieties of teaching. Now that I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Education, I am even more excited than I ever have been about my teaching career. Although this is my first year as a teacher, I am dedicated to welcoming your students with open arms and an open heart.

"I have this hope as an anchor for the soul" -Hebrews 6:19

No matter where life takes me, I will always be thankful for what being a "Navy Brat" has taught me and I will always stay true to myself and God.