It’s time for #TeacherTuesday 🍎
Ms. Tabitha Goad
8th Grade Pre-Algebra
Honors Algebra I,
9th Grade Algebra I Teacher
Middle School Girls Basketball Coach
🔹What brought you to DCA and how long have you been here?
-I began my teaching and coach career at East Literature Magnet School. I loved my time there but when I found out I was expecting my first child, Bailey, I decided to start looking for schools I would want to be a part of and my kids would grow up attending. I interviewed at DCA, Davidson Academy and Harpeth Hall. I received offers from all three schools but felt God calling me to DCA. I have been here 13 years and can't imagine being anywhere else.
🔹Where did you attend college and what was your major? Did you change your major at all in college?
-Free Will Baptist Bible College - K-8 Education with a minor in Bible. I never changed my major. I had known that I wanted to be a teacher since high school.
🔹Where were you born and what is one of your favorite memories from childhood?
-Nashville, TN; I have a lot of great childhood memories. Some of my best memories would be ones of ball games and trips with my dad.
🔹What is your favorite color, food, and holiday?
-Blue; Mexican (or Hibachi); Christmas
🔹Any hobbies or special activities you enjoy?
-I love to read but don't have much time to read these days, so often I download audiobooks and listen to them any chance I get. I love watching and attending sporting events, honestly any sport, but mostly basketball/softball/baseball. I LOVE going to Braves games! I enjoy cooking and doing crafty projects around the house and in my classroom.
🔹What is the most unique thing about you? Any hidden talents?
-I am an only child but have five kids. 🙂 Hidden talents, not that I know of, if I have any they are hidden VERY well and I've yet to discover them myself.
🔹What is something that our community might now know about you that would bless them to hear? Any trial you have overcome or cool God stories that stand out in your testimony?
-June 28th 2016 life as I knew it (and that of my kids) was turned upside down. I won't go into a lot of the details, but would love to share my story with people one-on-one, but will share the "short version." I became a single mom with children that were: 8 weeks old, 1 year old, 3 years old, 7 years old, and 9 years old. When I reflect on the days/weeks/months following, I know that I wouldn't have made it through that time without my faith and the DCA community.
🔹What are you most passionate about and why?
-First and foremost being a good mom and example to my kids. I grew up without a mom and they are growing up without a dad, so being there for them is so important to me. I want to help them grow up with a foundation firm in their faith. I want them to be confident, resilient, Jesus loving adults one day. Also being a teacher/coach that my students can come to for love and guidance. I want them to always know that life isn't perfect and we all mess up but we serve a perfect God that is always there for us.
🔹What is the most impactful thing a student or teaching in a classroom has ever taught you?
-If I remember, I might be sharing what Mrs. Loftis said BUT since she's one of my mentors and personal heros, not many are better to mimic. Students need to know that you care about them. The saying, "they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," is so true! Isn't this the case for all of us? Don't we give more and have a stronger sense to please, when we know that those we are doing it for care about us? I think so, and that is the biggest thing I have learned from my students. I try to invest in them in and out of the classroom, get to know what they are involved in and show up. At the end of the day, show them you care, that you are invested and you're a real person. The teaching aspect is my job BUT the kids are my mission and purpose.
🔹Tell us about your family!
-I was raised by an AMAZING father. His name is Buddy Goad but most around here know him as “Pappy." He is a Metro Fireman and has been for 30+ years. As I said above, I am an only child but have five kids. My oldest is Bailey, an 8th grader here at DCA. Bryce is a 6th grader here at DCA. Baden is a 2nd grader here at DCA. Baylor is in Kindergarten here at DCA. The "baby" is Brynlee and she will start Kindergarten here next year. Bailey and Bryce have begun their athletic journeys this year at DCA and that has been fun to watch. All the kids love being at anything at DCA. I often joke that we spend more time here than home, but it's pretty factual. I don't foresee that changing with five kids that will want to be at ALL things DCA.
🔹Favorite bible verse and why?
-Growing up my life verse was, Colossians 3:23, "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." As an athlete, I loved that verse and reminder that even playing sports should be done to honor God, not myself or not to impress others. As my life changed and trials came, my favorite verse(s) have also changed. The two I cling to these days are: Isaiah 61:3, " To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored." AND Psalm 61:1-3, "Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. 2 I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me."
🔹Any other interesting things you want us to know?
-Like Amy Altman, it has taken me a while to get the courage to submit this questionnaire. I have a major fear of public speaking and feel this is kind of similar. I could teach or coach in front of thousands and not be phased but to share my "story" with ten or more grownups scares me to no end. Pray that I overcome that fear because I believe God is writing an amazing story for me and my children, that one day may help others overcome terrible loss and heartache.
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