For the past 18 years, I have worked in the education field in a variety of capacities. My professional experience began in my hometown, when I was hired as an Instructional Aide of the Independent Studies Program. It was a part-time position, but perfect since my daughter had just turned one year old. In the year that I worked in this position, I started becoming aware of the many realities and challenges that young people face in their educational journeys. The following year, I began working a high school as a full-time Instructional Aide for the English Learner Program. In this position, I worked closely with both teachers and students. There were two teachers that gave me the opportunity to actually lead small groups and provide them with academic support. I also had to coordinate the after-school tutoring program, which included scheduling and training tutors. This experience ignited an interest in this age group, and it was the one that led me to change my major from multiple subject to single subject teaching.
Two years later, I began working as a Case Manager. Every program year, I managed a caseload averaging 35-40 youth, 14-21 years of age. Managing these youth included, assessing their needs, making referrals, job placement and providing them basic math and English tutorials and leadership classes. I gained skills on building close working relationships with youth and parents. The funding ended for the program, at which point I was hired at the County Office of Education as a Prevention Specialist. I coordinated prevention programs and implemented leadership curricula at various high schools in my county. After 8 months, I was promoted to Program Coordinator. I no longer was providing classes at the high schools, I was providing training to Prevention Specialists and other staff in our department, attending the management leadership monthly meetings and facilitating staff meetings.
In Spring 2007, I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English - Single Subject Teaching. That Fall, I was hired at an English Teacher in an alternative high school. In this position, I was able to integrate the skills I learned as a Case Manager on leadership and building relationships with young people. Also, the knowledge and skills I attained as a Prevention Specialist and Program Coordinator on social-emotional intelligence and brain development, became the foundation of my instruction. At the beginning of my fourth year, I was offered the assignment of part-time English Teacher and part-time Site Instructional Coach. I accepted. I now not only taught English to at-risk students, but also guided and supported all the teachers through district initiatives, trainings, and any other needs. In my 7 years at that school, I was also the Associated Student Body Director for 6 years, WASC Coordinator for 2 years and part of the District Leadership Team. As the WASC Coordinator, my school earned a 6 year accreditation. In 2013, I was awarded the Association of California School Administrators, Teacher of the Year, for my region.
This year, I started my second year as District Instructional Coach. My journey has slowly placed me in various leadership roles. Looking back to when I started my first Instructional Aide position, there seems to be a strategic connection that has brought me to where I am today.
Two years later, I began working as a Case Manager. Every program year, I managed a caseload averaging 35-40 youth, 14-21 years of age. Managing these youth included, assessing their needs, making referrals, job placement and providing them basic math and English tutorials and leadership classes. I gained skills on building close working relationships with youth and parents. The funding ended for the program, at which point I was hired at the County Office of Education as a Prevention Specialist. I coordinated prevention programs and implemented leadership curricula at various high schools in my county. After 8 months, I was promoted to Program Coordinator. I no longer was providing classes at the high schools, I was providing training to Prevention Specialists and other staff in our department, attending the management leadership monthly meetings and facilitating staff meetings.
In Spring 2007, I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English - Single Subject Teaching. That Fall, I was hired at an English Teacher in an alternative high school. In this position, I was able to integrate the skills I learned as a Case Manager on leadership and building relationships with young people. Also, the knowledge and skills I attained as a Prevention Specialist and Program Coordinator on social-emotional intelligence and brain development, became the foundation of my instruction. At the beginning of my fourth year, I was offered the assignment of part-time English Teacher and part-time Site Instructional Coach. I accepted. I now not only taught English to at-risk students, but also guided and supported all the teachers through district initiatives, trainings, and any other needs. In my 7 years at that school, I was also the Associated Student Body Director for 6 years, WASC Coordinator for 2 years and part of the District Leadership Team. As the WASC Coordinator, my school earned a 6 year accreditation. In 2013, I was awarded the Association of California School Administrators, Teacher of the Year, for my region.
This year, I started my second year as District Instructional Coach. My journey has slowly placed me in various leadership roles. Looking back to when I started my first Instructional Aide position, there seems to be a strategic connection that has brought me to where I am today.