Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
First I discovered I loved History and the Social Sciences.
Then I took relevant, rigorous coursework in high school.
Then I chose a college based on my chosen career path...teaching.
Then I finished my B.A. in History.
Then I participated in a study abroad program (England) through another university.
Then I enrolled in the Single Subject Credential Program at CSULB.
After I finished student teaching, I went on a few interview and earned a teaching position in 2007.
Although my contracts have changed year to year due to budget cuts, I continue to teach in LBUSD.

Career

Teacher

I teach 12th Grade American Government and Economics.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Government
Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

I convey important information or bulletin announcements. Then teach lessons: I try to grab their attention with a great visual or interesting discussion question so that they are interested from the start, give a brief lecture to introduce the concept, and then reinforce their learning with an engaging project or activity. I grade assignments, communicate with colleagues and parents, plan lessons. Meetings: department, committees, etc. Attend school events. Coach (when sport is in season).

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Try to complete some observation hours or job shadow a favorite teacher that you may have had in the past. It is very useful for picking up effective teaching techniques, as well as helping you to determine if teaching is actually something that you truly want to do. I know a lot of educators who feel that teaching is not a profession or a career, it's a lifestyle.

Recommended Education

My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"You should get another credential...history teachers are a dime a dozen."

Challenges I Overcame

Financial