Businesswoman is head of the class as teacher

NORTH AUGUSTA --- Jane Monroe's first day of school wasn't that different from that of many of her students. An early morning, a "first-impression" outfit and a forgotten brown-bag lunch were all part of her day. But unlike some students, Mrs. Monroe's passion for learning and sharing didn't have to be hidden under a cool teenage demeanor.

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Jane Monroe, a new North Augusta High School teacher, talks to her business law class at the start of the day. A former business-woman of 15 years, Mrs. Monroe hopes to put her students on a career path. "My story didn't start until I was out of high school," she told her students. "I want yours to start in high school."

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Jane Monroe, a new North Augusta High School teacher, talks to her business law class at the start of the day. A former business-woman of 15 years, Mrs. Monroe hopes to put her students on a career path. "My story didn't start until I was out of high school," she told her students. "I want yours to start in high school."

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As a 15-year business veteran, Mrs. Monroe went into the classroom to set students on a path to a career earlier in life.

"My story didn't start until I was out of high school," she told her students. "I want yours to start in high school."

Mrs. Monroe is one of about a dozen first-year teachers in Aiken County using their real-world knowledge in the Program of Alternative Certification for Educators. PACE puts skilled people in the classroom while they earn their teaching certification.

A 15-day course this summer, which included instruction on how to create lesson plans and manage a classroom, put Mrs. Monroe on the fast track to her first year.

In addition to teaching four classes ranging from business law to keyboarding, she'll take graduate-level courses to earn her certification in three years.

She didn't trade out her power suit, though. A traditional black suit, combined with a snappy coral top and scarf, set the tone for her classroom -- getting business done with fun along the way.

Mrs. Monroe also had to set a tone as the newbie teacher. She's one of a dozen new teachers at the high school filling a void left by rehired retirees who were not asked back because of budget cuts.

"I kind of feel I'm part of a new era for the school," she said. "I don't think the department is losing a lot of depth. I'm making up with experience, from my perspective. It's a new day, and we're taking it on."

Because Mrs. Monroe's first period is planning, she had time Monday to gather her thoughts and didn't have to dive in right away.

But when the second-period bell rang, a strained smile appeared on her face.

"I think they looked bored," she said of students after completing her first class.

It took 30 minutes for students to loosen up and ask questions. In the second class, though, they were chuckling 10 minutes in as she hit her stride.

"It definitely got a bit easier," she said.

Today will offer a bit more depth as Mrs. Monroe dives into actual lessons and less paper pushing.

"I'm excited about studying (business) cases with them, and I plan on having a lot of fun," she said.

Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.