Major(s): Education Studies, Psychology
What is your current role? What was your journey in arriving there?
I am currently an 8th grade physical science teacher, a varsity high school softball coach, and a private softball instructor in the Greater Bangor Maine area. My journey to this role has been nontraditional. Following graduation, I moved to central Maine with no plans. My first job was for 6 months at an organic farm in Dixmont, ME. Once the harvest season was over, I applied for an Educational Technician III in the special education department and varsity softball coach positions at Bangor High School. I worked as an Ed Tech from November 2022 through the end of the school year.
During the summer of 2023, I was offered a position as a middle school science teacher through the emergency credential program that the Maine DOE offers. I have since taken the position and earning my professional certificate, teaching science, and coaching softball all together. Dreams coming true faster than expected!
What do you enjoy about your work? What do you struggle with?
I enjoy the relationships that are built in my jobs. Both teaching and coaching rely so heavily on building trust and communication with other community members so you can learn from and lean on each other. The systems and processes that are put in place allow for a space where this type of open communication and learning is effortless.
I would say attrition is one of the biggest challenges both industries of teaching and coaching face. Especially in the public school sector, there is so much bureaucracy and local politics that dissuade individuals from staying in or even entering the field. And from being in the public school system as an educator for only about a year now, I can see that the beating heart of the system is the hard work, mentorship, and empathy of teachers.
How did your time at Wesleyan influence your career choice/journey?
My experience at Wesleyan did an 180-degree flip after the pandemic. During quarantine, I had the opportunity to reflect on my ultimate goals and aspirations, which like many of my peers was to “help people and my community”. Simultaneously, this is when the college of education studies was founded and I was able to take more classes in the education field and add my linked major.
This transformative time period influenced my career trajectory from being aimless to having a strong desire to be a figure and advocate for the public school system.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about entering your industry?
My advice for students entering the teaching profession is to learn from those around you. That includes veteran teachers, administrators, students, and parents. There is something to be learned from every interaction. Teachers are on the frontline for so many pertinent challenges in our society. Showing up every day and being willing to learn, adapt, and be yourself is extremely honorable.
Updated as of February 27, 2024
