Penny Knight
Joshua ISD
Joshua, TX USA
"There is no greater reward that working in education, especially as a school counselor. It is a calling not a career."
Career Roadmap
Penny's work combines: Education, Armed Services, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Royse City High School
Bachelor's Degree
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Excelsior College
Graduate Degree
Education, General
East Carolina University
Certification
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Region 10 Service Center
Graduate Degree
Curriculum and Instruction
The University of Texas at Tyler
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a High School Counselor:
Bachelor's Degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Graduate Degree: Education, General
Certification: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Graduate Degree: Curriculum and Instruction
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
1.
I went to East Texas State University right out of high school. I had no idea what to do or how to do it. I dropped out during 2nd semester.
2.
I started working at a local doctor's office in medical records. A Navy recruiter came in and asked me why I wasn't in college at 18 yrs old. We talked and I enlisted.
3.
I served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman for 5 years. While on active duty I earned my Bachelors of Science degree in Liberal Arts.
4.
After my time served in the Navy I enrolled in the Masters of Education program at East Carolina University. I became certified to teach in 4th-8th grade. I taught 6th grade in North Carolina 1 year.
5.
I moved to Texas and taught 4th/5th grade for 4 years in Royse City. I then went on to Joshua and taught 4th grade for 8 yrs.
6.
I went to Region 1o Service Center while teaching and earned my School Counselor certification.
7.
While teaching I earned my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I had wanted to leave the classroom, but stay connected with students and education.
8.
I was hired as the counselor for New Horizon High School which is an accelerated high school for at-risk students. I'm in my 3rd year and have finally found my place.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
I heard that you won't make enough money in education compared to work that you put in. I heard that teaching was what people chose when their other careers didn't work out.
How I responded:
There is no greater reward that working in education, especially as a school counselor. It is a calling not a career. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have had for anything else.