In the Fall of 2019 I was extremely frustrated and unhappy and decided to change my life. After spending 20+ years working my way up the corporate ladder in customer based industries I decided that I was no longer fulfilled by my career in retail management. Having a strong desire for a higher purpose, I knew I wanted to work in a field that allowed me to give back and really make an impact on society. After analyzing my passion for my own children, of which I have four, and how I wanted to raise them in such a way that they will become positive and impactful people on society, I decided that becoming a teacher really interested me. In order for me to fulfill my need to change careers, I had to finish my Bachelor’s Degree, which I stopped pursuing in 2005, and enrolled in Queens College. I had too many credits that would not fulfill a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, so I finished out my Bachelor Degree in Art History, with the intention of getting a Master’s Degree in Education.
As I began my new educational journey I decided that I would take a class in the Education Department as an elective to fulfill my credits. This class required in-person observations which I completed at the school my daughters attended. Being in the classroom helped me understand more of what my new career would be like, and I was excited at my decision to work towards becoming an educator. That same semester, in the Spring of 2020, the world faced one of the hardest periods of time, as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe. It was during this period of time, when all four of my children began remote learning (as did I) that I solidified my decision to pursue my new career in Education. Having my four children learning from home allowed me to have a window into what education was evolving into. As I struggled in helping them with their homework and trying to make sense of the way education was changing, I realized I wanted to know more. I also saw a need for teachers who are willing to adapt to the everchanging times. Being at home, I also saw my son, who has an IEP, struggling during this time. I wanted to be able to help him in every way I could, which led me to realize that I was passionate about helping students with special needs.
Fast forward to now, I am in the final stages of my Master’s in the Art of Teaching Degree with Dual Certification in Childhood Education (1-6) and Special Education at Queens College. I have learned so much in the past two years of this program, that has changed me. I have a passion for being a culturally responsive educator who advocates for his students. I want all of my students to be able to access curriculum through Universally Designed Educational practices for learning. With my background in management I have many skills that are applicable to the field of education. I am able to collaborate and work on group projects easily. I have the ability to implement and execute plans and adjust as necessary to achieve the best results. I have a tenacity to work hard and put forth the most effort I can in all that I do. I am excited at what the field of Education has in store for me as I start my new career.