Richard Muenich - Roadtrip Nation

Milestones

My road in life has taken me all over.

I enjoyed the college life style but not necessarily the classes. I had many jobs throughout college but the one I did the most was deliver pizza.

I graduated but didn't have a job, so I went to get another degree.

Before completing a second degree, I got a job as a cartographer.

I decided that GIS cartography was not for me so I worked as an independent insurance adjustor.

Wanted to make a difference so I went back to get my teaching certificate.

Was told I had to retake all of my geography corses to get a teaching certificate. So I went with my minor of Biology.

Didn't find a teaching job in the area so I joined the Army Reserves and was Deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Found my first teaching job and everything has been a pleasant struggle from then on.

Education

High School
Canyon High School

Bachelor
BS Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
Southwest Texas State University

Career

Science Educator

I Teach Biology and Physics

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Science

Environment & Nature

Learning / Being Challenged

Day to Day

I have three main days at work. On A days I facilitate two Physics classes and one Biology Class. I also have a planning period. On B days I just facilitate Biology classes and have a planning period. On C days I have all of my classes. The day starts with the Pledge of Allegiance and that is the only thing that is same from day to day. Each class is its own adventure, planned and thought out, but never the same because the students ask the questions, do the work and discuss the topic.

Skills & Qualities Beyond School

Teaching has a multitude of skills required. You need to be a performer, a counselor, a friend, a parent, the warden, the inmate, the wide-eyed enthusiast, the stark realist and above all engaging. So all of the jobs I had before I became a teacher helped me with the multitude of skills Teaching required.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Do as many observations of other teachers as possible and be invested in your student teaching assignment. Getting a good recommendation from that situation can be golden in getting your first teaching gig.

Recommended Education

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

Bachelor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or some other specific science.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Peers:

"Having started Teaching later in life, I heard is that really what you want to do at your age?"

Challenges I Overcame

Financial