Which describes your path to becoming a teacher most closely?
Certification-Only Program
What did you major in in college and what college degrees do you have?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology (with a minor in Film Studies) and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies
Did you have other full-time jobs before you became a teacher? If so, what were they?
I was a community organizer at a small non-profit, a public health educator at NC State, and I worked at a moving company.
When in your life did you decide you wanted to become a teacher?
First, probably around the age of 12, and then for good at around the age of 22.
Did you complete student teaching before becoming a teacher? If so, describe that experience.
Yes, I student taught World History and U.S. History at Clayton High School. My supervising teacher was terrible and I learned nothing from him. I also didn’t get any helpful feedback from him. I pretty much had to learn on my own.
What are the pros and cons of being certified in the method you used?
The pros are: that I didn’t enter the classroom until the age of 25 which allowed me a little bit more perspective on the world, I got to study lots of different things and bring a lot of different kinds of insights and skills to the classroom, I started off at Master’s degree pay, and I didn’t really have to know exactly what I wanted to do at the age of 18 (which I definitely didn’t).
The cons are: I have a degree (microbiology) that I have never used, never will use, and remember very little about.
Would you recommend your path to becoming a teacher to others? Why or why not?
Not if they are super clear that they want to be a teacher (why wait?). But otherwise, yes.
How many years of experience to you have in the classroom? Do you plan to remain a teacher or do you have other career aspirations?
II am in my 11th year in the classroom. Other than organizing teachers (with the teachers' union), I can’t imagine that I’ll want to do anything else.