Which describes your path to becoming a teacher most closely?
Lateral Entry--NC Teach Program
What did you major in in college and what college degrees do you have?
I majored in English and have a Bachelor's degree in English.
Did you have other full-time jobs before you became a teacher? If so, what were they?
Yes! Several! Fresh out of college, I worked for Clear Channel Radio doing radio sales with Sunny 93.9 (now the new country station). Then, I left them because I hated commission based sales and moved to Harris Teeter where I was the customer service manager for three years. I did things like: new hiring, accounting, training, scheduling, managing the store when the store manager was out... etc. (Number 5) The only part of my job I liked was the teenagers. So, I started investigating what it would take for me to become a teacher and started attending classes twice a week in the evening. I finally stepped down from my position as CSM and went full time into accounting so that I could focus on teaching classes.
When in your life did you decide you wanted to become a teacher?
See above.
Did you complete student teaching before becoming a teacher? If so, describe that experience.
The last semester of my lateral entry program was student teaching. I did it here, under Holly Jordan. It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years already, but she helped me in every single way a teacher-mentor should. We had one very crazy class that had a lot of specific needs and two phenomenal classes where the personalities were exactly the right mix. I had a great experience and stayed here because of it.
What are the pros and cons of being certified in the method you used?
Pros: I had no idea what I wanted to do and this allowed me to figure that out. Cons: $$$ the program cost a lot. It's worth it, though!
Would you recommend your path to becoming a teacher to others? Why or why not?
Yes. I would only recommend it to someone who decides that teaching is what they want to do after they have graduated with a teachable subject.
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?
5. Other than being Queen of the world, I plan to stay here.