Modern Day Governess

I am a big fan of all things Austen, well all things truely Austen not others trying to be Austen like Becoming Jane and Lost in Austen (Not to say I completely hate them but they just aren't Austen.) I love the time period, the world, the clothes, and the values. I have pondered which character I would be if I was in a Jane Austen novel: the quickwitted Lizzy, the very generous Jane, the kind hearted Anne, the sometimes silly Emma, or the bookworm Mary. And while I would want to be the most charming and endearing of characters in her books I have come to see the last little while that my life more closely parallels Jane Eyre. Not even a Jane Austen character. Austen just didn't tell my story so I'll have to be Jane Eyre instead. (Though I just want to add that I pass on the failing in love with a married man part.)

Jane taught school for two years at Lowood after she had finished her education there and then she became a governess. After I finished my education, I taught high school (though only for one year) and then became a home school teacher. Which is the modern day equivalent of a governess. There are some differences obviously like I do not live with the family I work for, and thankfully I am not looked down on for being "the help." But pretty much the rest of it is similar to what I do. And I LOVE it.

Tomorrow is my first official day starting a new "Governess" position teaching a 5 year old. I have shadowed the previous teacher for two days to learn the schedule but tomorrow it's all me. I teach him full time while his parents work from home. It's like a normal school day with only one student and in a home instead of a school. So we have lots of time to do activites, learn, and play. We have a lots of fun.

I leave there everyday with a smile on my face. I love teaching and watching kids learn. And getting to play all day. It is the best job in the world! So while I am glad I wasn't a governess in Jane Austen times because they didn't have the best situation I am so glad to be a modern day governess.