Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera Tims.
Hi Ciera, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am from Macon, GA, which is south of Atlanta. I’ve moved quite a few times because of my dad’s job. I’ve lived in Germantown, MD, and Lakeland, FL. We moved back to Macon in 2010, just in time for my freshman year of high school.
When I was younger, one of my favorite things to do was play school (my cousin never let me be the principal lol). It was a career path I always knew I would take since I was in about 1st grade. The funny thing is, I was never that great in school. I made very low to average grades and often didn’t give much effort. I always tell people that my goal as a teacher was to always be the teacher I never had. Growing up, I never felt like I had teachers who truly cared about me and the things I needed that would make learning less challenging for me.
There were so many times I felt overlooked and looked down upon not only in the academic setting but social setting as well. From being teased because of my skin complexion or having eczema to not being the smartest and not making the best grades, school was never the best experience for me. I used to envy those who had outstanding and “glorious” school experiences, but one thing I know now that I wish I applied then is, that everything is mind over matter. I used to be so quick to give up and let the small things defeat me and the opinions of others get to me.
My favorite quote that I truly live life is by Babe Ruth, “Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game”. This quote has been something that’s kept me going even in my darkest days, the days when I felt like others were counting me out, and quite frankly, I counted myself out! I have this quote shown daily on my morning slides as a reminder for my students that life gets hard and things won’t always go our way, but the goal is to always put our best foot forward and never give up on ourselves. I share parts of my story with my students because I want them to know that life gets real and anyone can fall at any moment. It’s how we pick ourselves up and keep moving that determines our strength. I let them know that they aren’t the only ones who fought or are fighting anxiety and depression. It is important to me that I remain vulnerable and relatable, I know some teachers don’t agree, but the relationship I create with my students and some that I haven’t even taught stems from my honesty, vulnerability, and relatability.
It wasn’t until college that things started to turn around in my life. I became more confident in who I am and the things I was capable of. I attended Albany State University, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. It was there that I found my voice, my people, and my desire to be better. Be better than I was mentally, emotionally, and physically. I had lost so much weight in high school from depression and simply refusing to eat. I started gaining my weight back in college (freshman 15-20 lol), I was joining clubs, found my circle of friends, and so much more. My HBCU gave me way more than an opportunity for my career, it gave me life (sounds dramatic, but so true!).
After graduating from THE Unsinkable, Albany State University, I continued to live in Albany to begin my teaching career. I stayed at the same school for four years, the same school that offered me a teaching position before graduation. It was at this school where I truly felt like I was being molded into the teacher I am today. When you think of the “perfect” school, you think about supportive administration, a great grade level team and coworkers, opportunity for growth, amazing students, parent involvement, and LOVE. This school had all of that and then some! They were/are my family. It’s one thing to know your passion early on and go on to pursue it, but it’s another when you pursue that passion and people are backing you up and pushing you to be the best at what you do. The support went crazy!! While in Albany teaching, I went on to earn my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and my gifted endorsement certification.
I left Albany, to be closer to family and have more professional opportunities. I know there will never be a school that could replace what I had and the love I felt, so I want those who know who they are to know that I appreciate them more than they know, I thank God daily for what He gave me in them, and to know that the IMPACT they had on my personal and professional life is truly unmatched!
Now, I teach 4th grade math, science, and social studies in Warner Robins, GA. I also tutor both in person and virtually. I am currently a Doctoral student, I will be earning my Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as gaining my Leadership Certification. So, the next 3 years are about to be hectic! But, so worth it.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t until college that things started to turn around in my life. I became more confident in who I am and the things I was capable of. I attended Albany State University, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. It was there that I found my voice, my people, and my desire to be better and live up to all the God has for me.
Be better than I was mentally, emotionally, and physically. I had lost so much weight in high school from depression. I started gaining my weight back in college (freshman 15-20 lol), I was joining clubs, found my circle of friends, and so much more. My HBCU gave me way more than an opportunity for my career, it gave me life (sounds dramatic, but so true!).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a full-time teacher in Warner Robins, GA. I teach 4th grade math, science, and social studies. I am a tutor and (new) small business owner of The Teacher Things.
It is a small online boutique for teachers and Educators. Perfect shop for those in the education field as well as those who simply want to support educators. My products make great gifts for educators as well! Shop at theteacherthings.com.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey thus far is that life can be difficult and can knock us down. However, what truly matters is how we get back up to recover. I’ve had many setbacks, but I don’t let them define me. Instead, I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. The challenges I’ve faced only make my journey more beautiful and they motivate me to constantly strive to be the best version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://
mstimsteaches.as.me/schedule. php - Instagram: @cieraalexia
- Other: theteacherthings.com
