What does it take to spend more than 40 years shaping young minds? For Mrs. Janice Golden, it’s a love for teaching, a heart for students, and a passion for helping children learn and grow. With 30 of those years dedicated to teaching third grade and 21 years at SCA, Mrs. Golden has made a lasting impact in the classroom. We recently interviewed her to learn more about her educational journey, professional accomplishments, and the experience she brings to SCA each day. We are grateful to have her as part of our school family!
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College
EXPERIENCE: This is my 41st year in education. One year I was a paraprofessional in 1st grade. I taught 6th and 7th grades for ten years before teaching third grade. This is my 30th year in third grade.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HOPE YOUR STUDENTS REMEMBER ABOUT YOU YEARS FROM NOW? I hope that they remember that I loved them and wanted them to excel academically as well as spiritually. I also hope they remember the fun we had together.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU STUDENTS HAVE TAUGHT YOU? They have taught me that I don’t have to take everything so seriously. It feels good to laugh with them even if it is laughing at something I said or did.
WHAT MAKES THE SCA COMMUNITY SPECIAL TO YOU? Since my first day at SCA, I felt welcomed and quickly felt like I belonged. Many of my coworkers have become some of my greatest friends and prayer warriors. SCA is a great place to be.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE? Philippians 4:6-7 are my favorite verses. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We don’t need to be anxious about anything because we can take all our burdens to the Lord. He will give us peace that no one or nothing else can give us. These are such comforting and encouraging verses.
WHAT CAN YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT? I can’t leave without something to drink even if I’m only going a short distance.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: Elementary students love their teacher, and they want to please them. They draw pictures for you and write the sweetest notes. I enjoy watching them get excited over learning something new.
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY BECOME AND EXPERT AT SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I think it would be playing the piano. I love to play, but I am no expert. I’m thankful the Lord allows me to use the talent He gave me in our church.
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB? As a child, I always thought I would be a nurse or a flight attendant.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE ABOUT BEING ABLE TO INCORPORATE FAITH INTO YOUR CLASSROOOM? It is a blessing to share with students that God loves them and cares about them in every way. It is also a blessing for the students to see how God has answered prayer requests that we have prayed for throughout the year. The greatest thing about incorporating faith into the classroom is being able to lead a child to Christ.