Balancing Act

Day in the life

Caitlin Friel / staff photographer As an instructor for Potty Mouth, a graduate student and a student teacher, Tim Howley does not have a minute to waste - even at his desk.

The life of a student can be busy, stressful and challenging — just ask Tim Howley, a graduate student who is working on a Master’s degree in teaching. For Howley, however, attending classes is only a small part of his day.

"JMU is probably the best place I could have spent the last five years," he said. "I was a little nervous and apprehensive about this fifth year, but it has been great so far."

Besides taking classes at JMU, Howley currently is student teaching to complete his degree. He also spends part of his day working as a graduate assistant for the office of health promotion.

"I really enjoy working with adolescents and helping them make the right decisions," Howley said. "That is also why I’ve specifically gone into health and physical education. It’s so important to teach kids a how to make good choices and attain a healthy lifestyle."

Howley’s day begins when his alarm rings at 6:15 a.m. Howley prepares for the day and arrives at Thomas Harrison Middle School by 7:30 a.m.

The school day begins promptly at 7:55 a.m. with a homeroom period. Throughout the course of the day, Howley teaches four classes in health and physical education — two with eighth graders, one with sixth graders and one with seventh graders.

Howley’s role as a student teacher usually ends at 2:45 p.m.

Howley’s after-school schedule varies but always is jam-packed. Usually he goes directly to the office of health promotion, where he spends a few hours doing work for Potty Mouth and other office of health promotion events.

Howley is known to be a prankster around the office. Senior Danielle Wynn, who has worked with Tim for three years, appreciates his sense of humor.

"Tim’s a lot of fun," Wynn said. "He keeps things light around here, especially when it gets kind of stressful."

Howley’s main role in the office of health promotions is instructor for Potty Mouth. The class meets every Monday night.

Besides his role as an instructor, Howley also attends classes a few other nights during the week. He somehow even manages to fit in a weekly meeting with his "little brother" — a local 12-year-old boy — as part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

When Howley finally is done for the day, he looks forward to going home and cooking a quick dinner. The rest of his evening is spent working on lesson plans, doing work for his night classes, working on his resumé, and applying for prospective teaching jobs online.

Howley is unsure of where he wants to teach next year, but hopes to work with students of low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Howley’s previous experiences influence future job requirements. "I have worked with children from low socioeconomic backgrounds on several Alternative Spring Break Trips and really enjoyed it," Howley said. "So I’m hoping to find a job that enables me to do so."