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.
Bilingual Education, Social Justice, Education, Teaching, Drama and Theater
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 discovered her passion for drama and theater in college and pursued related coursework.
2. She studied bilingual education and women's studies, developing a social justice perspective.
3. Substitute teaching experience in private schools provided valuable classroom experience and helped her determine if teaching was the right career path for her.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
When I was an undergraduate, I discovered some of my passions. I was really passionate about drama and theater, and so I did some of that in college and through different courses.
I studied bilingual education in America, and that got me really fired up. I learned through a lot of women's studies courses, which gave me a social justice perspective and a new lens to view different things going on in the world. I think all of those things really inspired me and got me excited about working with students.
Being a substitute teacher was also really helpful, especially in private schools. You can be a substitute without a teacher credential because they need people. You can find that type of connection, go in and cover classes for teachers, go on field trips with students, or work as an after-school provider. Those types of jobs are also really helpful in figuring out if you want to be a teacher and preparing you for teaching.
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