Teaching & Education Scholarships

Why did you get into the field of education?

I have been a natural leader from the start. Most things came quite naturally to me and my mother always told me I had a gift in the way I explained and taught others. I started my undergrad in Science and quickly realized I needed to teach as I have had a tendency to do throughout my own schooling with tutoring, etc.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

My biggest advice has three components. 1- Be passionate about what you do and your students will follow. 2- Build relationships! 3- Be Flexible

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

My biggest advice in this area is to make sure you are in the classroom of these students in some way BEFORE you decide which focus. Each age level takes a certain personality type- spend some time with each group to see if that age fits you.

Why did you get into the field of education?

Having a love for learning as a child, I knew the field of education would always allow me be a life-long learner. Moreover, the understanding of the impact certain educators had in my life and how transformative their influence proved in my journey spurned me to be that same catalyst for others.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Don't give ear to the negativity spewed by those who may be around you whose passion for their career may be misplaced or not as strong as yours. Though we all have to deal with the day-to-day trappings of the profession, never lose the perspective that being a teacher is about forging relationships and changing lives.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

Glean from those who have gone before you and have shown recent success on those exams. Utilize any resources provided by the testing company and find related social media groups that share resources and ideas. Focus on the key terminology and its application.

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

Search out grant and scholarship opportunities through multiple avenues. Start the discussion with the student services or related group within your college/university. I've seen social media groups that focus on providing lists of scholarship and grant opportunities. Be creative in your search for them.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

I would start by assessing your own skill set, character, and strengths/weaknesses. For example, teaching elementary students takes a great deal of patience and can often present a highly active, dynamic, and "rowdy" learning environment and requires the teacher to match and appropriately channel the energy of the learners, while teaching high school may provide a opportunity to engage in deeper, more insightful class discussion. Above all, find avenues to engage various ages and groups. Substitute teaching or volunteering as a youth coach can be great ways to gain exposure to different groups.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

As a new teacher, seek out a seasoned and willing teacher whom can provide you with simple guidance or answer questions. Even if you have been assigned a mentor teacher, it usually does not take long to gain a sense of the instructors who are passionate about their profession and are willing to guide others in their journey. Surround yourself with those individuals who speak positively about their students instead of negatively about the administration and nature of today's educational landscape.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

Turn off the noise! Above all, just being mindful that self-care is important and being intentional in stepping away from the chaos. The recognition that you have to take care of "you" before you can effectively take care of anyone else is essential in preventing burn-out and maintaining a positive perspective on what's truly significant.

Why did you get into the field of education?

I had an opportunity to become a peer tutor when I was in high school, and I came to realize how much I enjoyed supporting the learning of my fellow students. A few years later, I was asked to teach a 4th grade Sunday school class at my church, and I was even more surprised how much I enjoyed teaching younger children. These two experiences as well as the positive relationships I had with several of my teachers and college professors, some of whom acted as mentors to me along the way, led me in the direction of a career in education.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

My advice for a student who is preparing to become a teacher is follow your passion. There will always be people who will discourage you from entering the field of education or from pursuing certification in subject areas that are less in demand. I would recommend that you follow your dream but also have a plan B. Many preservice teachers opt for dual certification to become more marketable such as adding on certification for special education or teaching English learners. This plan of action can be a good one, but avoid doing so if you are not interested in teaching these special student populations.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

The tips I have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams are simple. Investigate and understand the overall objectives of the exam you will be taking. Get copies online of practice questions or review books for the exam. Make sure you review your course material and study! Don't just try to "wing" it. Being prepared is your best avenue to passing exams.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

When I first started thinking about a teaching career, I wanted to teach high school. I couldn't have imagined that I would consider teaching any student below ninth grade. As it turns out, I happened to have an opportunity to teach in an elementary school. There was a shortage of teachers at the time, and the job was local, so I thought I would give it a try. To my amazement, I absolutely loved it! And my favorite grade to teach became first grade. So you may start out with an idea about who and what you want to teach, but don't be surprised if that changes. I decided early on that I had a passion for teaching English learners, and I spent my career honing my talents to teach this student population. My advice is have as many diverse experiences observing classes in the beginning of your teaching program. It may help you to best decide where belong.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

There are so many groups on social media that can offer prospective teachers support. These online communities have become invaluable in lending prospective and novice teachers a helping hand particularly with specific questions about resources, teaching practices,and career paths. It is also a good idea to seek out a mentor; as a student, consider a professor that might best give you the guidance and support you seek. I have worked with student teachers for over ten years, and I always encourage my students to keep in touch with me—and many do even years after they have graduated. As new teacher, look to those in your school who might act as mentors as well. It has been my experience that teachers and professors are more than happy to collaborate and guide those who are new to the field.

Why did you get into the field of education?

Initially, I became a teacher to teach math; quickly I realized instead I wanted to engage students in a way they would experience a feeling of accomplishment and success in life so as to nourish their sense of well-being.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Take a deep dive into your hot buttons and your social bias so you can address them. Only by doing so can we as teachers appreciate and support all learners regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, and culture.

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

Instead of asking for the routine gifts for holidays and birthdays ask for funds towards your certification expenses. I know this isn't sexy, but it is very practical and better than another pair of skinny jeans.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

The grade level and age groups as you remember them are undoubtedly different now. Use field-based experiences to visit a variety of grade levels and subject areas to determine which is the best fit for you now.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

Remember the best way to give of yourself to others is to first refill your own tank of well-being. Identify self-care techniques that fit your personality and make them a priority. Taking a moment to engage in a mindfulness activity results in great dividends in productivity.

Why did you get into the field of education?

I was interested in doing research on topics that were of interest to me. I knew that higher education provided that type of environment, and allowed some flexibility regarding areas of study. That was appealing to me and has allowed me a wide-range of professional opportunities.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Be invested in your education. Try not to simply pass the courses, but learn from instructors you admire, and take something from each of them to help you prepare for the profession. Intentionally seek out opportunities and experiences that will help you grow and develop into an effective teacher.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

I suggest you study along the way. Trying to cram before exams is difficult for me, but if you study throughout courses and prepare well through your education, I believe you will perform better when it is time to complete the exams.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

Evaluate what your strengths and talents may be, and picture how those will be best used within the education field. Are you skilled at developing relationships with high school aged children? Do you excel when working with middle school students? Think about your talents, how they intertwine with the teaching profession, and how they can be best used in your career.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

I have found that relationships with peers and mentors is incredibly valuable. So, when I was a student, creating bonds with other students who were experiencing the same struggles and worries as myself was very helpful. We created safe spaces where we could talk about our self-doubts while also figuring out strategies to help us succeed. Along the same lines, finding mentors who were willing to answer my questions without judgment was also beneficial. It is useful to learn from others who have been successful in the field.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

First, it is critical that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. You must spend a great deal of time on your job in order to be successful, but it is also important to make time for yourself, your family and friends, and doing things that help rejuvenate you. In addition, it is important to keep the success of your students in mind as you make decisions, and it is okay to make mistakes. You apologize, make changes to avoid those same mistakes in the future and move on.

Why did you get into the field of education?

When I was in high school, I was not a very good student and I skipped Latin class regularly. My high school principal convinced me to be an aid in the special education wing of my high school. I did not know we had a special education wing in the high school but when I go there I loved working with the students. This helped me decide to become a teacher.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

I have been a self-contained special education teacher, a resource teacher, and an inclusion teacher. I have taught at an elementary and middle school. I have been a mentor and a supervisor. I have worked in Professional Development Schools . Now, I am a professor coordinating the M.Ed. Special Education online program. My advice is to be open to new opportunities. Many educators today are "burning out" in their current positions. Be open to trying something new in the field of education. If you need to move out of one classroom, be willing to try another education opportunity.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

1) Make sure you have strong content knowledge. Read current articles so that you are familiar with terminology. 2) Take the practice exams so that you are familiar with the formatting of the exams.

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

1) Get your first two years of study completed at a community college and transfer. We have school systems that offer middle college and incoming college students that are entering as juniors at 18 because they are graduating high school with associates degrees from community colleges. If you are returning student (non-traditional age or earning a masters' degree and certification) look for financial resources in public schools. Many public schools are paying the tuition for instructional assistants to become certified teachers.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

I have worked with many teaching candidates that think they know what age/subject/school they want to work in and after their practicum find out they love 5th grade when they though they wanted to work with pre-K. Be open it new situations and give it a chance.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

Many school systems will offer new teacher workshops and that is a great way to find a community. Social media is also great. There are forums on Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook that you can join!

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

1) You must take time to do things outside of your job. This is critical. Research tells us that the human brain work best when it gets a break. 2) Let the guilt go! If you need to take a day off then do it! Don't feel guilty. This is so important. We have to stop the tidal wave of teachers leaving the profession! When you know that you need a break - take it!

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Really focus on both the content AND teaching strategies. Currently we have many second career graduate students, some of whom are older than me! There is a misperception that being an expert in your field is primarily what is needed in a teaching career. That is incorrect. Regularly practicing good teaching strategies (what we call pedagogy) in delivering that content is very important.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

In California, we have number of tests that are required for passing to earn a preliminary credential: CSET, TPA, and RICA (if earning a multiple subject credential to teach in elementary school). Currently, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has allowed an executive order for teacher candidates who have not finished their TPA and/or RICA by the time they complete the coursework of accredited teacher educator program to defer these remaining requirements to after earning preliminary credential but prior to earning the clear credential. This is called AB-130 and due to COVID-19 restrictions in place since 2020. My recommendation is for teacher candidates to complete their TPA and RICA in lieu of getting the AB-130 waiver as accredited teacher educator programs are the only spaces that allow full support in understanding and passing the TPA and RICA.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

Please heed the advice of your accredited teacher education program, especially to your placement coordinator, program director, and/or credential analyst. They have your best interests at heart when placing candidates in variety of subjects and schools to gain wide range of student teaching experiences. At our university it is our practice to place our candidates at different grades and/or schools for each semester.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

In California many if not all public-school districts will have either a new teacher mentor induction or BTSA program. I recommend new teachers get to know and actively participate in their new teacher induction programs. Mentor teachers were carefully selected for the purposes of guiding and assisting new teachers in their careers. I also recommend for new teachers to get to know their school departments faculty, administrations, and office staff. I also say that education is a social enterprise and we educators are here for each other for support.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

In addition to seeking help and support among your staff and mentor teachers, it's important for new teachers to regularly practice boundaries and self-care. It breaks my heart to see new teachers burned out from overload of teacher work, and often they spend long nights and weekends to get their grading, lesson planning, and other teacher work done! I strongly recommend new teachers NOT volunteer to take on extra duties, and to leave their work at school and/or not work on the weekends. For the first two years of my teaching career, I made it a point to leave school with any tasks left by 5pm; also separate my work from my personal life on the weekends including Sundays. After the first two years I then was able to leave school a little early and still not do work on the weekends.

Why did you get into the field of education?

I entered the field of education on the recommendation of a college professor of mine. I was graduating with a degree that did not prove to be a useful one in garnering a job, and my professor suggested that I work as a teaching assistant/paraeducator at the Texas School for the Blind until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Twenty-three years later, I am training new teachers how to work with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. I found my calling, and I am so glad I took my professor's advice.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Practice working in environments with children of all ages and colleagues/coworkers from all ways of life. Volunteer for events related to schools and districts to understand the dynamics of working in and around a school. Be very clear that choosing education is not always a lucrative career path, and know that money will not always measure up to the amount of time, energy, and effort one expends when one is an effective and successful professional educator. Look for a work environment that makes you want to come to work every day. Keep in mind that work environment is key, and members of the district's administrative team sets the tone for the work environment. Consider working as a substitute teacher in districts where you are considering becoming a full-time teacher. Talk to families of students who attend schools in those districts where you are applying to work. Ask frank questions of other teachers and staff who work in those districts. Remember that, as with any business, agency, or organization, there will always be benefits and drawbacks to every school and district. Find a place where you feel comfortable, supported, and guided, especially in your first couple of years as a classroom teacher. Most of all, continuously check in with yourself to ensure that you want to shape the future of your community by working as an educator through the good times and the challenging times.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

Take good care of all aspects of yourself - physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Study over time instead of cramming. Take as many practice exams as you can find. Use flashcards, quizlets, study materials, and course materials for your content exams. For the performance exam part of your certification, observe good teachers at work. Make an effort to find a mentor teacher or two who can help with supporting you in bolstering your strengths, pinpointing your needs as an educator, and guiding you as you fill in those skills gaps.

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

Do not accrue debt of any sort. Live on a cash-only basis. Live below your actual means and save. Find a district that pays well. Invest money in long-term, interest-making assets. Work in the summers and even on winter breaks, when possible, to supplement your professional educator income. Consider working in a country that pays professional educators as much as the U.S. pays doctors and lawyers and CEOs.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

Work as a substitute teacher or teaching assistant/paraeducator for a school before deciding age group and type of school interests you most. Some find it easier to know what ages and types of schools are not preferred rather than knowing what ages and types of schools are preferred. Consider past experiences within your own life and examine how you handled those experiences with people of various ages and abilities. The subject(s) you teach should be a passion and a joy to know and continuing learning as you move through all stages of your life.

Why did you get into the field of education?

Educators have incredible opportunities to invest in trajectories for people. The impact plays across time. It's a great privilege.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

A teacher's role is less about their knowledge and more about the student's mastery of content. Learn how to diagnose student learning needs and be ready to shift.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

Take advantage of test-prep support resources and don't assume an instructor intuitively knows what questions you have - ask them!

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

Take advantage of test-prep resource so you only have to complete the test process once. Also, remember the costs are a burden now but an investment for/in the future.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

Developmental needs are different. Sub, consult with professors, get advice before taking a job. Make sure you fit the "speed" of the age-range of students you will be serving.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

Participate in college "clubs" that support teacher candidates. Take advantage of district/campus mentoring programs. Find a safe person who is reliably discrete and otherwise not connected to the school so you can process your experiences without those experiences turning into gossip.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

Establish responsible boundaries but don't misunderstand that to be "balance." There will be "unbalanced" times. It's natural and normal to go through high-anxiety, busy seasons. It would be in any job. Balance happens over time and is not attainable in every moment. Remembering that will help you keep a right perspective which supports emotional health. Also remember that education is a high calling. There will be times when you will need to go above and beyond the call. Mediocrity doesn't inspire. Invested teachers can. That said: It is important to remember the difference between understanding who you work for and who employs you. Remembering the employer compensates but that an employee is working for someone (e.g. self, future, family, etc.) beyond and outside the employer. That perspective keeps "gas" in the tank when we are tired.

Why did you get into the field of education?

I became a teacher because I love children. I know that sounds like a generic answer, but it's true. All through high school and college, I worked as a tutor and as a dance instructor. Helping children understand a difficult concept or seeing their eyes light up when they mastered a new skill made me want to expand on those experiences in a classroom. I also come from a long line of educators, so I was in different classrooms from a young age, decorating bulletin boards and cleaning chalkboard erasers. Perhaps one of my biggest "whys", however, are the teachers I had myself. I was blessed with wonderful educators from elementary school through college who inspired me to become a teacher.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Take every opportunity to learn and build your resume. Volunteer at local schools, find a work study job with children, participate in service learning, attend conferences and professional development. It is much easier to become involved in these type activities as a student (and cheaper, too!) and they will be looked on favorably when you apply for a job.

What advice do you have for easing the financial burden of the teacher certification process?

I recommend looking for scholarships and outside funding. Often times there are sources of financial aid that go unused because no one asks. Some schools will help pay for certification tests. Spread out your certification tests if possible - then you can pay for them separately and also give your brain a break in between each exam.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

Use your clinical experiences to try out a variety of grade levels, subjects, and schools. The purpose of clinicals is for teacher candidates to have a wide variety of experiences in different types of classrooms. Even if you think you know exactly where you want to be, don't limit yourself. Sometimes when you try new things, you find something unexpected that is a perfect fit!

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

I think you have to be able to separate your "school life" from your "outside life". That's very hard to do sometimes, but it will help your mental health if you can compartmentalize a little bit. Give your students and colleagues 100% when you are at school, but leave work worries at work. Don't be afraid to say no and protect your time. It's good to be involved after hours, but you have to know your limits. When you're at home, find something that helps you unwind - exercise, reading, a warm bath, playing with pets - and make sure you spend time doing it. The biggest lesson I've learned during COVID-19 are to be present in every moment and to give yourself (and everyone around you) some grace. Teaching is not always easy, but it is one of the best, most rewarding vocations possible!

Why did you get into the field of education?

I wanted to provide the same quality of education that I received to students of color in the community where I grew up. It has been my passion to see more equity, access, and quality in schools with minority populations. As a college professor, I now get to use my knowledge to encourage future teachers to make a difference in the lives of their students.

What advice do you have for a student who is preparing to become a teacher?

Identify your, "WHY." This will allow you to always have an anchor to hold onto when times get rough. For me, my "why" was that I wanted to see minority students excel in the area of reading and writing so that they could become empowered in our society. This is what helped me throughout my K-12 experience to stay grounded and encouraged.

What tips do you have for preparing for and passing teacher certification exams?

When preparing for the exams, I suggest that students take out their old textbooks from high school or borrow textbooks from a cooperating teacher or family member. Many times, content tests will have concepts that students haven't thought about in quite a while. For example, the writing process tends to become intrinsic, but one might need to refresh on the actual steps and what is included in each step when preparing for the elementary education content test.

What advice do you have for prospective teachers trying to decide what age group, subject, and type of school to teach at?

I suggest that students work with all age groups prior to settling on a specific age. With regard to a subject matter, I recommend that students think of a subject matter that they wouldn't mind spending hours planning for and creating engaging lessons for. There are many positives and negatives to either public, charter, or parochial schools. I tell my students to identify their values and work from there. We need strong teachers in all types of schools.

How do you recommend that prospective teachers find support and community during their time as a student and a new teacher?

I suggest that students work to find anyone who will encourage them honestly. They need to be open to feedback, but they also should feel supported. It's important to feel like someone has your back. It's nice to know that someone has been there before and can walk you through the rough times.

What are your most helpful self-care tips for teaching during challenging times, from difficult parent-teacher conferences to teaching online during COVID-19?

I like remind new teachers that you ARE trained for this job. Even when it gets tough out there, you have been equipped with the tools to handle it. Just as someone goes to a doctor for medical treatment because they trust the doctor know what's best; we as teachers KNOW what to do for our students. Trust your gut. When you are feeling unsure or in doubt, take a breath! Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Listen to your favorite podcast or album. Read a book. Go grab coffee with a friend. Take a minute to yourself. Sometimes you need to take a step back and remind yourself that you can do this.