Jayne Bowers

Work and Love,

Cornerstones of Life

What are the cornerstones of a happy life? That's a big question and one I'm not qualified to answer. I do know, however, that a person's relationships and career choices can go a long way in determining overall feelings of life satisfaction...or not. Thus, two of my current projects include manuscripts on these topics. A third centers around teaching and learning.

A job is more than a way of making a living. It’s a way of making a life. Your work is crucial to the quality of your life both on and off the job. Don’t you want to make the wisest career choice possible and make sure that you go into an environment that is the best fit for you and your unique set of traits, interests, and abilities?

Good! I was hoping you'd say yes, all the more reason for me to continue working on Making a Life, an upbeat and informative primer about career choices and how they play into overall life happiness.

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The Spell Was Cast, another project, involves love. When I first began studying psychology, I was astounded to learn that social psychologists had managed to look at this fascinating emotion in a scientific manner. What a shock! What I hope to do in this future book is somehow combine scientific findings with real life examples of couples in varying stages of relationships. What brings people together and what keeps them that way?

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I've heard, "Write what you know," more times that I can recall, and one thing I know a little about is teaching. Lately, I've begun thinking about 30+ years of teaching experiences, and one of these days, I'd like to publish a book on effective teaching practices, educational trends, and unique experiences in the field.

New Contest

My newest contest is about teaching and learning. Wouldn't you like to enter? There's a classy prize for the winner.

Someone asked Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, and Teacher Man,  why he waited so late in life to begin writing, and he answered simply that he'd been too busy teaching. I know the feeling, Mr. McCourt. While it's the BEST and most rewarding profession, teaching can be all-consuming, leaving little time for creative pursuits.

Now that I'm approaching retirement in a couple of years, I find myself reflecting on practices that worked (and those that didn't), classroom experiences, special students, changes in technology, and educational trends.  I'm ready to write about those years and things I've learned, and I'd love to include your ideas.

Wouldn't you like to contribute? If so, then please enter my newest contest. By March 1, 2010, submit a 500 word essay on what makes a good teacher. Is it preparation? Is it respect for students, enthusiasm for subject matter, or some other characteristic?

Send me your thoughts by March 1 at either bowersj55@hotmail.com or bowers.jayne@yahoo.com. And no, you don't have to be a teacher to enter this contest.