Raven Furlough has created a “Vowel Valley” in her kindergarten classroom at J.N. Ervin Elementary School. This will help her 17 students learn about vowel differences, such as the long “u” in unicycle and the short “u” in up.
The room is filled with bright colors and uplifting sayings such as “Be Awesome Today!” On the outside is a “Wow” board to showcase her students’ best work.
It’s the quintessential classroom and Furlough couldn’t be more excited for another year of teaching the future generation. This is her second full year teaching as she was part of Dallas College’s inaugural bachelor’s class that earned degrees in May 2023.
“This is my first time introducing the ‘Vowel Valley’ wall,” Furlough said. “I’m putting up things that I know the kids will love to see every day. I want them to be able to touch and interact with everything. I’m geared up and excited for them. I want them to feel that this is where they will learn and take that knowledge home to their parents.”
If you couldn’t tell already, being a teacher has more than lived up to expectations for Furlough. She has always been around children, working at daycare centers early in her career. But there’s something about being a teacher and walking into a room with a “Mrs. Furlough” nameplate at the door.
“It really has lived up to my expectations,” she said. “To be a teacher, you have to have an open heart and mind. You have to have a feel for children — patience, a heart for them. I would say I’m their ‘teacher mother’ while they’re here at school. I’m doing all the pampering and teaching as well. We have fun. We let them know it’s going to be OK. Encouraging them and helping them out. I always get excited, like a kid, when it comes to teaching.”
Why Dallas College?
Dallas College has established itself as one of the leaders in higher education, receiving praise for its innovativeness in building out its bachelor’s degree program. Overall, Furlough described her experience in the program as “good.”
“I had good instructors who were very knowledgeable in their subject areas. I still keep in contact with a couple of them today,” said Furlough, whose husband, Troy, is a mathematics professor at Dallas College. “The only negative I experienced was that the program was so new. It showed some growing pains, but I think those things will get better with time.”
Furlough went on to praise the practical and real-world knowledge she gained throughout her studies. Many of the things she learned in the classroom are applicable to her day-to-day job now, whether it’s the various technology platforms used or how the curriculum is set.
“There were times when I would take notes in class and then see that exact same concept being played out in the classroom where I was assisting,” she said.
Final Word
For anyone interested in becoming a teacher, Dallas College should rank as the top destination. It’s hard to beat paying community college prices for a bachelor’s program. Plus, the program itself was commended earlier this year by the State Board for Educator Certification.
Furlough is one of the many examples of students who have gone through the program and are now living out their teaching dreams.
Asked for her advice to current and future students, Furlough said: “Triple check to make sure this is your passion. Make sure that you have a heart for kids and that you have an open mind when it comes to doing things the way administration wants them done. You can do this by getting as much experience as you can in the field before you spend too much time and energy.
“Be ready to be overwhelmed at times, especially in the beginning. However, also be ready to feel the sense of reward that comes with knowing you were responsible for teaching someone things that could be life changing.”
For more information on Dallas College’s bachelor’s degree in Education, please visit this website.
