Becky Clark ʼ16 EdD has been in education for over 25 years. In that time, she has experienced the field’s ups and downs, the struggles of her fellow educators, and her own personal challenges. But through it all, she has been committed to the career path she fell in love with as a child — teaching.
Through her debut children’s picture book, “I’ll Be the Teacher!” Clark hopes to remind teachers why they chose their career in the first place and to inspire the next generation of educators.
The story is based on Clark’s own experiences. It begins with her childhood, when she would play school with her teddy bears, and ends with her future self reflecting on a life well lived in education.
“I just felt led to write a story that would inspire current teachers, encourage students seeking to become teachers, and also be a blessing on those who have retired from education and feel like what we did was really important,” Clark said.
Clark’s book, which she self-published through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, does not shy away from the difficult aspects of the profession. It acknowledges the hard work with low pay and the accompanying stress many teachers, including herself, face throughout their careers.
“You’re hearing every day about mass exodus,” Clark said. “Teachers are leaving. It’s too much. It’s too hard. My goal is to remind teachers that the work [they] do matters, and it’s important and it’s worth fighting for.
“I think [the book] gives a full picture of the journey and life of a teacher and the impact that a teacher can make. Hopefully, it can inspire more teachers to pursue the teaching profession and not be overwhelmed.”
On Nov. 6, Clark came to Liberty University as a guest author and had the opportunity to visit classes and host a book reading and signing at the Liberty University Bookstore. During the event, she talked about her journey in education, both as a student and as a teacher.
Clark earned a bachelor’s in education from Liberty in 2000 and has served as adjunct faculty since 2010. She has also worked as an elementary school teacher in both Campbell and Bedford counties and earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia.
After more than a decade of experience, Clark found herself ready to take a significant step in advancing her education and capacity for impact — earning her doctorate. She chose to pursue a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies at the University of Lynchburg after a conversation with Dr. Roger Jones, the program director at the time.
“I just have incredible respect for him and his leadership,” Clark said. “That initial conversation — that’s really what convinced me that I wanted to pursue [the] degree.”
Clark was also encouraged to pursue the program by Dr. Mary Ann Mayhew, then a professor in the program, and served as the chair on Clark’s dissertation committee.
“I loved my time there,” Clark said, reflecting on the strong friendships she developed with her classmates.
The intimate friendships she developed with her cohort became a critical support for Clark when they were nearing the end of their coursework and beginning to work on their dissertations. It was at this same time that her daughter Noel, then 3 years old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
During this challenging time, Clark’s classmates and professors rallied around her, offering support and bringing gift cards for gas and meals to the University of Virginia’s children’s hospital.
“I wouldn’t have been able to successfully complete the program while juggling a full-time teaching job and caring for my daughter during her treatment — and my two sons who were in kindergarten and first grade — without the support from my doctoral cohort members and professors,” Clark said.
Clark’s daughter, now a teenager, is cancer free.
Immediately after graduating with her EdD, Clark and her family relocated to Tennessee where they still reside today. Initially, Clark wasn’t looking to take a big step into leadership so soon after their move. She began interviewing for teaching positions, but quickly found herself on the path to leadership.
“The first school and job I interviewed for, they said, ‘Actually, we want to put you in this leadership position,’” Clark explained. “It immediately stressed me, [but] I think the degree gave me the opportunity to step into a K-5 leadership position.”
Clark was offered a position as a K-5 literacy coach for Williamson County Schools in Franklin, Tennessee.
“I immediately jumped in, and I’m so glad I did,” she said. “I learned so much through the six years I served as a K-5 literacy leader.”
After her time at Williamson County Schools, Clark explored moving full time in higher education — working as an adjunct for Liberty University, Middle Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Grand Canyon University simultaneously. It was at this same time that she initially wrote her book, “I’ll Be the Teacher!”
Now, she serves as the Director of Student Support at Grace Christian Academy in Franklin, Tennessee. In her role, she oversees a large team consisting of learning specialists, a gifted coordinator, language and occupational therapists, and student support specialists.
Clark credits Lynchburg’s EdD for preparing her to step into leadership and inspiring her to keep growing.
“The learning didn’t stop when I became Dr. Clark,” she said. “The program inspired me. You can contribute to the research, and you can contribute to the knowledge, and you can keep consuming new information to help you become a better leader. … I took that to heart.”
