Erin Kelly
Lake Travis ISD
Travis County, TX USA
"Expect discrimination and build yourself up strong to face it head on and persist."
Career Roadmap
Erin's work combines: Education, Business, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Humble High School
Bachelor's Degree
Theater Education
Texas State University
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Lamar University
Certification
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Texas Standard Certification
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Career Technology Education Teacher:
Bachelor's Degree: Theater Education
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Certification: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Moving several times for father's job when growing up.
2.
Getting through high school and bachelor's degree.
3.
Multiple family members passing away in a plane crash.
4.
Acheiving a master's degree while teaching full time.
5.
School cutting the course I taught for 10 years.
6.
Losing former husband of 12 years due to drug overdose stemming from increased isolation, depression, divorce, and more.
7.
Pandemic hybrid teaching with 3 new preps.
8.
Motivated to work towards promotion from teaching to counseling position.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
Shouldn't pursue theater tech careers due to the travel and tough conditions on women.
How I responded:
It's true that women or people of color have a harder time in the this career field, but is not a reason not to pursue it if it's your dream. Find strong mentors already established. Connect with them on a regular basis. Plan long term. Expect discrimination and build yourself up strong to face it head on and persist. Expect that you won't get every single job you apply for and that it takes more than a good portfolio to impress. It takes networking skills as well to be successful.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
A close loved one lost their life to an overdose during the pandemic. With COVID, going through the grieving and legal process to manage the loss and estate was very difficult. Learning to ask for help from supportive friends and family helped a lot.