Jolynn Washington
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco, CA USA
"You need empathy and the ability to understand that each person has their own story. Be kind."
Career Roadmap
Jolynn 's work combines: Education, Law, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
St. Rose Academy
Bachelor's Degree
Humanities & Creative Writing
San Francisco State University
Graduate Degree
Educational Leadership and Administration, General
San Francisco State University
Certification
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
SFSU Clinical Schools Program
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Director of Pupil Services:
Bachelor's Degree: Education, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I started working in Account Management right after high school. Had to work through college with having kids as well at this time.
2.
I had the opportunity to work as both a Special Ed. & General Ed. paraprofessional. I observed & learned from teachers while working with students. This job also allowed me to be with my own kids.
3.
I briefly became an Elementary Advisor, but with family support, I started my journey of becoming a teacher. When HR didn't help emergency cred. renewal, I went straight to Sacramento CDE & got it!
4.
I had the opportunity to be a primary grade teacher at a couple of schools but ultimately wanted to return to Jose Ortega Elementary where I began as a paraprofessional.
5.
After teaching, I had a chance with different roles as a Reading Recovery Teacher which helped me learn how to support my own daughter.
6.
I then took a position as an SFUSD Literacy Coach and worked at the school I began at.
7.
I decided to take the California Administrators Exam and became a School Principal at Jose Ortega Elementary School where I would stay for 10 years.
8.
I took a sabbatical to renew & refresh and joined the Office of Pupil Services, first as a Behavior Coach, then a Supervisor and eventually, my current role as Director of Pupil Services.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
The only time I faced discouraging words was from a new Supervisor (after a variety of changing supervisors). This person would say things that would affect my mental health.
How I responded:
I took a sabbatical to refresh and renew my mental health. For your path, identify things for yourself. Do what you love. Listen to your body and stay healthy. Create a vision board for yourself and think of the people who support you! Create a timeline and think of it as chunks. Instead of saying it will take me 3 years to take classes, see it as 6 semesters only. Remember, all money, ain't good money!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a person of color, people have tried to silence my voice. I persevered knowing I have rights to access and equity in any field or goal I reach for.