Tara’s Corner – The Odd Teacher

Being a teacher and a Queen of Camo don’t always mix. Parents take some time to warm up to the idea of their child being taught by a woman that hunt. Some find it awesome, as I have instant common interest with their child. Others find it odd and out of the ordinary. Even coworkers are often off put by the fact that I hunt, fish and shoot guns. Most have now come to the realization that I’m no different than them, only cooler!

I teach 4^th grade at a Charter School in Granville County, NC. Most of the population are middle to upper class, that haven’t had the chance to be in the outdoors and experience hunting. When my students first learn about what my hobbies are, they have tons of questions. Instead of spending tons of time explaining my love for the outdoors, I started a team. My first endeavor was to get kids introduced to archery. It’s a great way to get kids interested in outdoor activities, but make it competitive. We are on our 2^nd year and the team is doing awesome.

A coworker and myself also started an Outdoorsman Club for kids of all ages at the school to learn about the Outdoors. We’ve made catfish noodles, gone on nature hikes, built campfires and gone camping to name a few things. We had some concerns at first from parents and administration, but after they saw what a hit it was and how much the kids truly learned, they gave way to our plan.

Making a positive impact on a kid’s life is life changing in itself. My husband and I have fur children, but no human ones. Each child means the world to me, and to share my life and passion with them is so fulfilling.

I’ve been teaching for 7 years, and I still get the same comments at the beginning of each year. “You’re the teacher that hunts aren’t you?”