Kelly McAlister
English & AVID Teacher; AVID Coordinator
Mission Viejo High School
Mission Viejo, CA USA
“My life and work have meaning. I'm fulfilling my purpose and living my dream!”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I had a difficult childhood because I was a child of several divorces. (My mother was married 4 times). I was the luckiest kid, though, because my mother was very loving and supportive through it all.
I am the first generation in my family to graduate from college, so I didn't have guidance to help me along the way. My mother was very supportive, but she hadn't gone to college and couldn't help.
I didn't take the SAT, so my only choice for college right out of high school was community college. This was the best "mistake" I could have made because I came out of college with no debt.
Being 4 units shy of graduating, I had to take an extra semester. I took graduate classes and earned my ESL supplemental credential before it became a requirement, making me a desirable hire.
I got married and divorced within a two-year period. After my divorce, I moved to Southern CA to be with my mom. I regretted leaving Northern CA, but found I liked it better here.
When I married again, I married a teacher. Being married to a teacher is great because we understand the demands our jobs place upon us. We both have a heart for kids.
I took eight years off from teaching to have and raise my kids. I thought it'd be difficult to find a job again, but got one in a better district!
I was Teacher of the Year for 2019-20 for my school and district. I was a nominee for TOY for my county as well!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Blackford High School
Blackford High School
Career
English & AVID Teacher; AVID Coordinator
I teach English and AVID to high school students.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Writing
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I wake up at 5AM to type up my agenda lesson plans for the day and to get ready for school. Once I arrive, I make copies for the day, and then the kids arrive. Throughout each class period, I roam the tables and ask how I can help students. On planning period, I coordinate field trips, fundraisers, and assemblies. After school, I grade papers and plan for the next day. My day usually does not end until 6PM or so. On the weekends, I plan the lessons for the coming week and grade more papers!
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
You have to get a degree in the field in which you want to teach, of course. However, the most important thing to figure out is if you like working with kids. As you are pursuing your degree, volunteer to tutor kids or work in after-school programs. This experience will also give you an advantage and show employers that you have experience with kids even though you are new to teaching.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Everyone I told that I wanted to become a teacher would always mention how I wouldn't make enough money for all the education I had to get and hours I would put in. They all felt it was a noble cause but a poor choice."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
