However, I also have a passion within me that cannot be completely quenched by taking care of my child.  I chose teaching as my pre-child career because I don't know of anything more important than the education of children.  Obviously that is why I stay home with my own child, but there are many children out there in need of learning, both in school and out.  

I taught 4 different grades in my 6 year career and any teacher knows BIG changes happen between every grade.  However, there is one educational constant, no matter the grade: READING!  Literacy is the backbone of success for every child.  I know from my overall experience that a student who reads well will do better in every subject, enjoy school more, and be a more confident person.  Research studies support what I know from experience.  

To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence  was compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts.  It gathers, organizes, and summarizes the best national data available on the current state of reading in America.  This summary shows significant correlation in statistics between good reading skills, higher academic achievement, better job success (monetarily), and a greater sense of social and civic duties.  The opposites occur for poor readers.  There are some pretty scary statistics for this group:

Highly educated parents have always been acknowledged as the best predictor of higher education for children.  A study  completed by an associate professor at the University of Nevada found that an equal predictor of success was having a 500 book library at home, regardless of level of parental education.

Given the overwhelming data that books, reading, literacy, etc. are an important predictor of success for children, and my strong desire to provide children with the best education they can receive, this stay-at-home mom was left with only one choice.  

I have joined Usborne Books and More as a consultant.  This allows me to offer great children's literature, at terrific prices, to my family, friends, and community.   I'm extremely excited to take this new opportunity.  It allows me to continue my work as an educator (of sorts) while giving me the flexibility I need as a new mom.  

I am available for home shows, school book fairs, booth sales, as well as web and direct sales.  You can find out more about Usborne Books and my new venture by visiting ColoradoUsborneBooks.com .  All books are excellent quality, include unique educational features, and come with a lifetime guarantee. 

What could be a better way to help all the children in your life than providing them with fun, entertaining, and educational books?  They will surely enjoy them, and you'll be taking a step in making sure they aren't part of the tragic statistics noted above.