8th Grade Page

Cammie Roxas

Careers

Introduction

These days, 8th graders at Carmel Middle School are faced with the looming question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question we’ve been faced with all our lives yet haven’t given it much thought until now. Such a simple question masks the confusion and complexity of choosing a career. Is it really just a one way route? Interviewing multiple teachers helped me gain the perspective of the multiple paths, challenges, and choices made by CMS teachers to get to where they are today.

Q: Was being a teacher your first career choice?

Mr. Morgan: CMS Principal - Degree: BA in History, MA in Educational Administration and Leadership

“Teaching was always on my radar, but I was hoping to pursue a career in baseball as a player, coach, front office personnel or agent. My original life plan included graduating from college, pursuing baseball as long as I could and then enrolling in law school to open potential pathways to front office work at the major league baseball level or legal representation of professional athletes.”

Mrs. Clarke: Math 8 - Degree: BA (English Major) and Masters in Education

“I considered pursuing several paths after college (law school, PhD in Comparative Literature, and MFA in creative writing), but ultimately chose teaching because I thought it had the potential to do the most good in the world and because I know that I enjoy working with people directly and doing things that are dynamic and positive. I wasn't sure if I would stay with teaching for long, but I knew I wanted to give it a try. That was almost 20 years ago!”

Mr. Fosler: Art/Yearbook - Degree: B.A. in Art and Psychology, and Teacher's Credential

“Initially I planned to be a therapist, and I still love psychology, but I realized I'd be happier in art.  However I didn't go through the right program to be an illustrator and finding success as an "art gallery" painter is extremely difficult and often takes a very long time and a lot of financial struggle.  When we had a child it was time to get a proper job with insurance and actual regular paychecks.  I’d really enjoyed teaching English in Japan so becoming an art teacher was a natural choice.”

Q: What ultimately drove you to becoming a teacher?

Mrs. Wells: OpEd and Leadership - Degree: Bachelor's in English, Master's in Education Curriculum Development

“I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of teenagers. Middle school years are some of the most transformative years of a young person's life. I want all students to know that they matter and that they can accomplish their dreams. Sometimes it just takes having one person believing in them.”

Mr. Glazier: PE and Thrive - Degree: Liberal Studies—Human Development 

“Since I was in high school I ended up in jobs that involve working with kids. I taught swim lessons, worked for the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I was always drawn to the kids for whom things weren’t as easy as the others and for some reason they were drawn to me.  After a couple of years living in Hawaii, I came back to the mainland and worked as a long term sub-teacher of math and coaching basketball at a high school. The next year I taught a 7th grade class called “Opportunity” which was for a group that had gotten kicked out of the “regular classes” but was given the opportunity to work themselves back in before they were expelled. I loved it!!! I started at CMS as a Math Support and Opportunity (a little different type of class than at the other school). I always used physical activity to help ready my students to learn and understand the body/mind connection when it comes to mental health and learning. A few years ago I had the opportunity to move over to PE and it’s been super fun!”

Mrs. Carr: History - Degree: BA in History

“I could never picture myself as something else, really...also there was an extreme teaching shortage when I was starting out and lots of job opportunities right out of college.”

Mr. Griffin: Robotics and Engineering - Degree: Computer Science

“One of my professors in college was a great role model and inspired me to become a teacher. I also enjoy coaching and teaching provides the opportunity to do that.”

Q: How did you become a teacher?

Ms. Little: Core 6/Drama - Degree: B.A. in American Studies and Masters in Education 

“Before teaching, I worked and volunteered in positions related to education. While studying abroad in Paris, I taught preschool, and I studied child development at Stanford. During the summer, I worked as a camp counselor. I also worked as a peer advisor, a residential assistant, and an admission associate throughout college. I loved these different jobs and realized teaching would be a way to combine my passion for working with students with my passion for learning. I applied and joined the credentialing and masters program at Stanford, and I have been teaching ever since.”

Mrs. Suzie: Wellness Center Clinician - Degree: BS in Finance and MA in Psychology MFT

“I first thought I would work for Habitat for Humanity and other service organizations. Llater Carmel Middle created the wellness center and offered me this excellent place to work. The staff are beautiful and sincere and CMS students are amazing people.”

Ms. Carr: History - Degree: BA in History

“I started volunteering for after school programs in college and then got my credential after graduation. I did my student teaching at CHS and CMS and I guess they liked me, because I basically never left! I got a job here the following year and have been here for 27 years.”

Conclusion

To sum up, these responses actively demonstrate that your first choice is not always your final choice. Some are lucky enough to still follow through with their first dreams but most people take longer to consider what to pursue in life. Often making many decisions and changing from career to career. So it's important to remember that you have the rest of your life to figure out what you want to do. People shouldn’t feel pressured to pick the first thing on their list and stick to it no matter what happens. Ultimately, one of the most important things to consider is to pursue a career with the things you love most and support your dreams and aspirations. There are billions of jobs out there, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Take the time to find the one just right for you. Don’t rush into something, rather, slow down and explore the opportunities. You might just be taken somewhere you didn’t expect.

Extra Q: What’s your favorite aspect of teaching here at CMS?

Mrs. Wells: “I get to teach the most incredible students. This is my twenty-second year here at CMS, and I have loved every moment. In addition to the awesome students, I get to come to work each day and be a part of the CMS family. I get to work with the most brilliant colleagues that I have the privilege of calling my friends. It is pretty magical here at CMS.”

Mrs. Clarke: “There are so many! I love that it's a positive environment for students and staff. The teachers and admin really care about the students, and work hard to provide them with terrific experiences both in terms of education and other activities. I love that the classes are small so I can really support my students effectively. I love that the teachers work together, enjoy their jobs, and appreciate one another. And of course the students are the best part! I just feel like it's a very healthy school community overall.”

Mr. Morgan: “I really enjoy being the principal of this school and working every day to make the student experience as positive as possible.  My personal goal is to make sure that every student has a connection to our school and that when each student leaves after completion of the 8th grade, they look back and think, ‘I had a great time at CMS!’”