This book describes the experience of a young and inexperienced teacher during 1926 in rural Marengo County, Alabama. Susie Powers Tompkins accepted her first teaching assignment to earn money to continue college after her freshman year at Alabama College. However, for Tompkins the rewards of teaching went far beyond just earning money. She found that she enjoyed teaching immensely and over the school year developed a close relationship with students and their families. She taught eight students in five different grade levels in a one-room school house. Although supplies and monies were scarce, she was adept at using ordinary events and surroundings as opportunities for the students to learn. The book also depicts the closeness of communities and families during this time period and the advantages and hardships of living a simple life. With money that she earned from teaching, Tompkins completed college and received her bachelor's degree in 1928. She continued her career as an educator, first as owner for many years of a private school in Tuscaloosa (Alabama), and later, in the public schools. Although retired, she has continued corresponding with several of her students from her first teaching assignment. This book contains illustrations. (LP)