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Elisabeth, Supervising teacher 9-12 at Pajaro Valley Unified School District: Advize Career Interview
A career in education offers transformative experiences, as evidenced by a Supervising Teacher's journey.
Starting with tutoring and substitute teaching, this individual's path led to Teach for America and diverse roles in various educational settings, culminating in nineteen years at a K-12 charter school.
The work involves managing student caseloads, teaching multiple subjects, collaborating with families, and navigating the complexities of the educational system.
Success requires strong communication, adaptability, meticulous planning, and a high tolerance for frustration, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent and at-risk students.
Lifelong learning, compassion, and consistent classroom management are essential.
While challenges exist, including systemic issues and the inherent politics of the profession, the rewards of working with dedicated colleagues and students who value education make this a fulfilling career path.
Entry-level positions like coaching or daycare provide valuable experience, and perseverance is key to success in this dynamic field.
An international background further enriches the perspective, highlighting the cross-cultural nuances of education.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Elisabeth Rettenwender
Supervising teacher 9-12
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
American College in Paris and Smith College
Smith College BA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ethnic & Related Studies, Psychology
Education
Education
International Student, Transfer Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a K-12 Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Elisabeth's career path began with tutoring and substitute teaching during college, which sparked a passion for education that led to Teach for America and a multiple subjects credential. This eventually led to roles in various school districts and educational settings, culminating in 19 years at a K-12 charter school where they work with "neurodivergent students, at-risk or at-promise youth," finding a fulfilling career in "transformative education that works from the inside out with a student."
Main Responsibilities Of A Supervising High School Teacher At Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Elisabeth's role as a Supervising Teacher involves managing a caseload of 28 students, meeting with them every two to three weeks to review their "alert personal learning plan" for high school graduation, and teaching on-site drama, English, and social studies classes to grades 9-12. The work also includes collaborating with parents of students with special needs, highlighting a multifaceted role balancing individual student support with classroom instruction and family engagement.
A Day in the Life of a High School Supervising Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District
A high school teacher's day involves a mix of individualized student meetings—"map out their progress"—and group instruction, focusing on "building from the inside of the student." The work also includes IEP meetings, collaborating with colleagues, lesson planning, grading, and parent communication.
Most Important Skills For A High School Supervising Teacher At Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Elisabeth, a Supervising teacher, highlights communication as a crucial skill in "a charter school that has a different type of environment," requiring adaptability in connecting with diverse individuals. Equally important are planning to anticipate student needs and tailoring curriculum to address the "very Divergent needs" of learners, a challenge given the often generalized nature of existing educational materials.
Favorite Parts of Being a High School Supervising Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Elisabeth, a Supervising Teacher, finds the most rewarding aspects of her role to be "enjoying the students and being around young people," coupled with the continuous learning required to adapt to evolving educational methods and technologies. The demanding nature of the job, however, also necessitates "a high tolerance for frustration" due to the inherent bureaucracy and politics within the public sector.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A High School Teacher At Pajaro Valley Schools
Elisabeth's greatest challenge as a Supervising teacher is navigating the multifaceted demands of the profession, progressing from mastering classroom management and parent communication to confronting systemic issues like "allocation of resources" and societal problems impacting students. A strong support team is crucial for addressing this "relentless job" where daily challenges range from addiction to social justice concerns.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry as a Supervising High School Teacher
Elisabeth, a Supervising Teacher, finds the most rewarding aspect of education to be "people who want to make a difference," particularly within the charter school setting. This environment offers a "self-selected group of students and people who place value on education," allowing for focused support and tailored educational models to meet diverse student needs.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Supervising Teacher Grades 9-12 At Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Successful educators are "lifelong learners" who adapt to new trends and technologies in education, demonstrating compassion and empathy for students and their families. Classroom management skills and consistency are also key attributes, as these qualities build trust and ensure positive student outcomes.
What a Supervising Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Elisabeth, a Supervising teacher, revealed that navigating the "level of politics" in school environments and understanding the differing perspectives of veteran versus newer teachers are crucial aspects of the job, which were not initially apparent. The importance of teacher union representation in handling inevitable conflicts and protecting teachers' rights, as illustrated by the example of colleagues losing their jobs without union support, was also a key takeaway.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Teachers
Elisabeth, a Supervising teacher, suggests entry-level positions like coaching, counseling, or daycare work to gauge interest in working with children and planning activities. The interviewee also emphasizes the importance of observing the workplace environment for "smiling" and "relaxed" staff as an indicator of support and overall work culture.
Significant Career Lesson from a Supervising High School Teacher at Pajaro Valley School District
Elisabeth's most significant career lesson is the importance of perseverance: "you don't give up," she emphasizes, highlighting the inevitable ups and downs of teaching, including moments of self-doubt alongside great successes. This resilience, she suggests, is crucial, especially given the current teacher shortage, advising others to find a supportive environment if their first experience is not ideal.
College Experiences That Helped a High School Teacher at Pajaro Valley School District Succeed
Elisabeth's undergraduate experience involved exploring passions like drama and bilingual education, alongside women's studies, which fostered "a social justice perspective." This, combined with substitute teaching in private schools—gaining valuable classroom experience before credentialing—prepared Elisabeth for their career as a Supervising Teacher by illuminating the profession's demands and solidifying their passion for working with students.
How Identity Has Influenced a High School Supervising Teacher at Pajaro Valley Unified School District's Career
Elisabeth's international upbringing, encompassing German, American, and French schooling and living experiences, profoundly shaped their career perspective. The contrast between Europe's "natural" multilingualism and the sometimes "political" view of multiculturalism in the United States created a "shocking cognitive dissonance" for Elisabeth, highlighting the differing cultural values surrounding biculturalism and its perceived threat.
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