I am a Sacramento State University Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from a blended program to obtain a multiple subject teaching credential. I also hold two supplementary authorizations, one in English and the other in Social Sciences. In addition, I have more than 12 units of ECE courses and several certificates of course completions through California Preschool Instructional Network. Currently, I am working to obtain a Master's Degree from San Diego State University in Education Leadership with hopes to obtain an Administrative Credential.
My first position in education was an instructional assistant at Marengo Ranch Elementary School in Galt, CA. I worked as an IA for English learners for 5 years while I worked towards earning my degree and credential. It was a wonderful experience to learn alongside those motivated and happy K-6th grade children. They taught me so much about what it means to be in their shoes. The experience remains in my heart and I will always hold the English learners in my classroom close to my heart and at the forefront of my mind as I plan my lessons.
After obtaining my degree and credential, I found myself trying to enter into a profession that was cutting back in huge numbers. I was offered a job in Galt Joint Union Elementary School District as a pre-kindergarten teacher. I threw myself into professional development, and learned as much as I could about early childhood education. During my 3 years at the preschool, I spent a lot of time learning in workshops provided by California Preschool Instructional Network. After all the professional development, I invited CPIN leaders and presenters into my classroom to observe and visit. After the visit I was asked to give a workshop under the CPIN program at my site to teach Dialogic Reading strategies. Later, I was invited into a partnership with San Joaquin Delta College Early Childhood Education Department. My role was Master Teacher to 24 college students seeking certification as preschool teachers. Again, it was a new learning experience for me. My years at the preschool helped me tremendously in establishing leadership and management skills.
When budgets became stable and teaching positions opened up again in the elementary schools, I applied with hopes to finally have my own elementary class. I was hired for a third grade position. I had finally obtained what I had worked so hard to achieve. However, along with budget cuts and rehiring the temporary teacher was born. Temporary status means you work one contracted year and must reapply for open positions. Fortunately, I was hired again and again for the following 3 years. The catch is you can be rehired at a different site or grade level. I was in third grade for 3 years at 3 sites.
Today, I have been teaching for 7 years and this year I am a permanent teacher in first grade. It is my first year in first grade. I was also asked to be a Site ELD Lead Teacher. Once, again I find myself learning and growing. My experience of having started as an instructional assistant, a substitute, and having been at several sites and different grade levels has taught me to be flexible, patient, and comfortable in the learning process. I have the perspectives of several positions to keep me focused and mindful. I will always have those experiences as I continue to grow from them and continue moving forward.
My first position in education was an instructional assistant at Marengo Ranch Elementary School in Galt, CA. I worked as an IA for English learners for 5 years while I worked towards earning my degree and credential. It was a wonderful experience to learn alongside those motivated and happy K-6th grade children. They taught me so much about what it means to be in their shoes. The experience remains in my heart and I will always hold the English learners in my classroom close to my heart and at the forefront of my mind as I plan my lessons.
After obtaining my degree and credential, I found myself trying to enter into a profession that was cutting back in huge numbers. I was offered a job in Galt Joint Union Elementary School District as a pre-kindergarten teacher. I threw myself into professional development, and learned as much as I could about early childhood education. During my 3 years at the preschool, I spent a lot of time learning in workshops provided by California Preschool Instructional Network. After all the professional development, I invited CPIN leaders and presenters into my classroom to observe and visit. After the visit I was asked to give a workshop under the CPIN program at my site to teach Dialogic Reading strategies. Later, I was invited into a partnership with San Joaquin Delta College Early Childhood Education Department. My role was Master Teacher to 24 college students seeking certification as preschool teachers. Again, it was a new learning experience for me. My years at the preschool helped me tremendously in establishing leadership and management skills.
When budgets became stable and teaching positions opened up again in the elementary schools, I applied with hopes to finally have my own elementary class. I was hired for a third grade position. I had finally obtained what I had worked so hard to achieve. However, along with budget cuts and rehiring the temporary teacher was born. Temporary status means you work one contracted year and must reapply for open positions. Fortunately, I was hired again and again for the following 3 years. The catch is you can be rehired at a different site or grade level. I was in third grade for 3 years at 3 sites.
Today, I have been teaching for 7 years and this year I am a permanent teacher in first grade. It is my first year in first grade. I was also asked to be a Site ELD Lead Teacher. Once, again I find myself learning and growing. My experience of having started as an instructional assistant, a substitute, and having been at several sites and different grade levels has taught me to be flexible, patient, and comfortable in the learning process. I have the perspectives of several positions to keep me focused and mindful. I will always have those experiences as I continue to grow from them and continue moving forward.