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."
Bilingual Education, Transformative Education, Working with Diverse Students, K-12 Education, Career Exploration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Elisabeth Rettenwender
Supervising teacher 9-12
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
American College in Paris and Smith College
Smith College BA
Ethnic & Related Studies, Psychology
Education
Education
International Student, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Elisabeth's diverse experiences in various educational settings, including tutoring, substitute teaching, and working in different school districts (Los Angeles, Oakland, West Contra Costa), demonstrate the value of exploring different opportunities to find the right fit.
2. Her involvement with Teach for America and obtaining a K-12 multiple subjects credential highlight the importance of structured programs and certifications in the field of education.
3. Elisabeth's 19 years at a charter school working with neurodivergent students, at-risk youth, and students facing socioeconomic challenges showcases the rewarding aspects of working with diverse student populations and addressing their unique needs. This also highlights the possibility of finding a long-term fulfilling career in a specialized setting that aligns with your passions
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
Sure. I went to the American College in Paris and worked there for a few years. Then, I transferred to Smith College in Massachusetts and graduated from there.
During my time in college, I had various jobs, including tutoring and working with kids in different settings. I also did some substitute teaching, which I found really rewarding and fun. That kind of got me into the profession.
After Smith College, I joined Teach for America, where I was placed in Los Angeles. Having grown up bilingual in English and German, I was really interested in bilingual education in America. Through Teach for America, I got a multiple subjects credential in K-12 and started my career in LA.
I worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District in East LA and Pasadena. Then, I moved to the Bay Area, where I worked at Oakland Unified School District and West Contra Costa Unified School District. I also worked at Sylvan Learning Center and in a private school.
Those first years of my career, I was extremely curious about different educational systems and how they work. I was really trying to find a place that fit, where I felt I could do transformative education that works from the inside out with a student.
I landed in Santa Cruz, where I work at a K-12 charter school. We do individualized learning, homeschooling, and have a hybrid model with on-site classes and individual learning plans for students.
I'm really happy in my career. I've been at the charter school for 19 years and have found my home there. We have a small staff and a great team. We work with neurodivergent students, at-risk or at-promise youth struggling with various socioeconomic conditions. We work with pregnant students or students who have careers. We work with students in juvenile or foster care. That's kind of been my career.
Advizer Personal Links
no