Dorothy, Teacher at FJUHSD: Advize Career Interview
FJUHSD teacher Dorothy's career path reveals the multifaceted nature of high school science teaching, demanding daily lesson planning, individualized student support, and strong family communication.
A typical day involves early preparation, teaching five periods, advising clubs, and after-school coaching. Classroom management, kindness, and genuine connection are key skills.
The most rewarding aspect is making a daily difference in students' lives and fostering a better world.
Challenges include managing student engagement and the sheer volume of daily decisions, but a supportive colleague network and self-care strategies mitigate these.
Aspiring teachers should consider entry-level positions like instructional aides or coaches, and a diverse undergraduate education can enhance career prospects.
A crucial lesson learned involves avoiding assumptions about students' behavior and understanding their individual circumstances.
Dorothy's personal experiences as a child of a single immigrant parent influenced their desire to provide support and create successful adults.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dorothy Kim
Teacher
FJUHSD
UCSD
CSUF Teaching Credential
Biology & Related Sciences, History, Art History
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Teacher at FJUHSD
Dorothy, a teacher at FJUHSD, describes the core aspects of her role as encompassing daily lesson planning and collaboration with colleagues to ensure consistent standards, differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs including IEPs and 504 plans, and prioritizing communication with families, stating "you have to have to have to call them." This highlights the multifaceted nature of teaching, demanding pedagogical expertise, individualized support, and strong interpersonal skills.
Main Responsibilities of a Teacher at Fullerton High School District
A typical day for this high school science teacher begins early, with preparation time described as "the most productive" part of the day before a busy schedule of teaching five periods and advising two clubs. After school, the teacher also fulfills academic coaching duties, providing tutoring and supervision until 5:00 PM, showcasing a commitment extending far beyond the classroom, where "every day is so different, it flies by. It's fun, but it is exhausting."
A Day in the Life of a Teacher at FJUHSD
Dorothy, a teacher at FJUHSD, emphasizes that the most crucial skill is "classroom management," creating a "positive learning environment" where students are engaged and responsible for their learning. Beyond subject matter expertise, genuine kindness and connection are equally vital for fostering student engagement and creating a successful classroom.
Most Important Skills For A Teacher At FJUHSD
Dorothy finds the most rewarding aspect of her teaching role is the feeling that "every single day...it truly is making a difference," directly impacting society and serving as a role model, striving to create "a better world for them." This commitment motivates them to be a better person and spread joy, finding immense fulfillment in this impactful career.
Challenges Of Being A Teacher At FJUHSD
Dorothy, a second-year teacher, cites managing 35-40 students' engagement and constant interruptions as a major challenge, noting the "constant overstimulation" and the sheer number of decisions required daily ("teachers make an average of 1,500 decisions a day"). The difficulty in competing with technology and maintaining student focus while ensuring a fun and engaging learning environment is a significant factor in this early-career challenge.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Teacher at FJUHSD
Dorothy, a teacher at FJUHSD, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be the "supportive and amazing" colleagues who share similar values and understand the challenges of the profession. This supportive environment, coupled with the shared commitment to students, makes the job "truly encouraging" and fosters a sense of community and ongoing learning.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Teacher At FJUHSD
To thrive in the education industry, individuals must possess a genuine love for the profession while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, understanding that "it's gonna be hard" initially and that self-care is crucial to avoid the significant teacher burnout rate. The ability to "leave the work at work" and enjoy personal time is key to long-term success.
What Type of Person Thrives in Education, According to a High School Teacher
Dorothy, a teacher at FJUHSD, reveals a crucial lesson learned: the reality of "little support" and insufficient resources, such as "not having all of the lab equipment," often clashes with idealistic visions of creative teaching. Despite these challenges, Dorothy emphasizes that "showing up for them is enough," highlighting the importance of dedication over material resources.
What a Teacher at Fullerton Joint Union High School District Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
For undergraduate students interested in teaching, entry-level options include becoming an "instructional aide," similar to a teaching assistant, or a coach, which offers a stipend and "gets your foot in the door." After graduation, substitute teaching allows exploration of different schools and age groups within the district to determine career fit and preferred work environment.
Essential Advice For Aspiring Teachers
A significant lesson learned by the teacher is to avoid making assumptions about students' characters based on their behavior, as unseen circumstances like family responsibilities or personal tragedies impact their performance; getting to know students and understanding their situations leads to greater success in teaching.
College Experiences That Helped A Teacher At FJUHSD Succeed
A significant lesson learned by the teacher is to avoid making assumptions about students' character based on behavior, recognizing that unseen circumstances like "taking care of baby siblings" or working late to support their families can impact academic performance. This approach of seeking to understand each student's individual context is key to finding success in education.
How Identity Has Influenced A Teacher At FJUHSD's Career
To achieve career success, Dorothy recommends pursuing diverse interests during undergraduate studies, citing their own double major in biology and history as an example that broadened job opportunities in education. The experience of taking challenging courses, such as chemistry which Dorothy "hated, but [is] so grateful for now," underscores the importance of continuous learning and expanding one's skillset for career security.
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