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.