Summer Vacation (A school teacher’s experience with the Glass Specialist team)

This summer seems to have come and gone. I say this because I’m heading back to school in 6 days. I finished my 30th year of teaching and have always had a summer job. This summer I tried something different. Instead of teaching summer school, training teachers in hands-on math and science techniques, painting houses, or working at my hometown drug store, I was fortunate to work at Glass Specialists. Since I have a June birthday, I was also thrilled to finally be able to bring treats!

First of all, I was introduced to the core values. I had noticed in the office there were several papers with the ten values listed. What I later realized was that we were to be tested on them. As a frequent test giver, I became nervous to take one myself. I studied and discovered I was prepared to take my test. Then I was told I would be timed! Ugh!! I had two minutes to write the core values and knew my handwriting was not going to be a priority. (By the way, I do not time students for math facts or other tests. However, there are some required timed tests from the district and state.) I’m happy to say that I passed in the allotted time.

As I was memorizing the core values, I really took them to heart. The first is “Culture is Priceless.” This is my favorite one! I say that because I know that after teaching plenty of students, the culture of a classroom whether it be 4th graders, college students, or adults is very important. Glass Specialists would be a very different setting for me. Instead of being in a setting of mostly women and children, I would be the only female. I soon found this wouldn’t be a problem. At Glass Specialists, we are a team! The guys were so wonderful to me, helping me with any number of daily questions, being kind and welcoming, and truly creating an amazing culture.

It’s been a bittersweet end to my summer. I have always loved to get ready for school. Believe me, the minute school supplies are set out in stores I’m ready to go. However this summer, I’m torn. I have been blessed to spend my time with an incredible team. I know that I’ll still stop by to see them.

– by Sandee Vossler