Becoming a Teacher

Teaching my very first summer school classroom in Tempe, Arizona. 

It's not everyday that you get to just quit your corporate job and move to a new state to become a science teacher. It's also not the most common path and literally nobody takes that path. But I did.

It has been some time and the journey has been insanely stressful from being diagnosed with shingles and numerous familial issues, I have been able to accomplish something I never thought possible.

When I first begin my job working for Edelman PR, I was extremely happy. I was freshly graduated and had never had a "real" job. I was offered a position with the company and I simply could not turn it down. I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles where I settled into my new digs and began the journey of a lifetime (that still hasn't ended).

I was with the company for about 9 months when I realized how unhappy I was. Sitting at a desk all day just didn't do it for me. Where in, this probably doesn't do it for most people, I was so unfulfilled in my position that I had to change something. I put in my two weeks notice and decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I started a teaching program at CSUF (which was a joke I might add, $3000 down the drain) but at the same time, I learned my true calling as a teacher.

I applied with Teach for America, a non-profit organization that is partnered with numerous school districts across the country. Teach for America works actively to support youth growing up in poverty to stop educational inequity and provide an opportunity for all children to receive the education they deserve.

On October 31, 2013 I was notified that I had been accepted to the organization and would be working in the Las Vegas Valley. I am extremely excited to begin teaching full-time in the region.

Recently (2 days ago), I finished one of the most intensive teacher trainings out there. I spent 6 weeks in what most people would do in a year, learning how to be a teacher. I taught ELA to 5th graders at a summer school in Tempe, Arizona, all while living in the dorms and eating dorm food (keep in mind I graduated from college 5 years ago). I successfully completed one of the most difficult things I have ever done (blog post to come about the summer training program).

I am excited for this new opportunity to work alongside TFA, the people of Las Vegas and the wonderful people I have met through this organization.