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Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools: Advize Career Interview
A career path initially focused on international affairs unexpectedly pivoted to a fulfilling career in education.
The Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools shares insights into a dynamic role balancing student well-being, teacher support, and instructional coaching, all while navigating challenges like the current teacher shortage.
The work demands patience, flexibility, and strong relationship-building skills, but the rewards – supporting students and teachers, shaping young lives, and contributing to the future – are immense.
A path to this rewarding career, which offers significant opportunities for recent graduates, can begin through diverse experiences like tutoring, mentoring, or Americorps, highlighting the importance of a "work to live" balance and the unexpected benefit of public service designation for student loan forgiveness.
The Dean's journey underscores the profound impact of intentional community building and the value of diverse experiences in shaping a successful career trajectory.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Ernesto Umaña
Dean of Culture & Instruction
Summit Public Schools
UC Riverside, 2011
Harvard University, Master in Public Policy
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Human Resources (HR)
HSI Grad, Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto's career path, initially focused on international affairs and diplomacy, shifted after a life-changing study abroad experience in Germany and family circumstances; this led to a focus on domestic education, starting with mentoring and teaching before reaching their current role as Dean of Culture & Instruction, illustrating a pivot from "something abroad" to a career deeply rooted in their community.
Main Responsibilities of a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto's main responsibilities as Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools involve fostering a positive learning environment by "intentionally creating routines and systems" that support student engagement, while also providing instructional coaching and managing disciplinary issues. A significant portion of the role also focuses on supporting students' success with state testing and post-high school planning.
A Day In The Life Of A Dean Of Culture And Instruction At Summit Public Schools
Ernesto's day, similar to past Americorps work, begins early with mindfulness and morning duty, "greeting students and making sure that I'm a presence in supporting them," before moving through classroom observations, coaching, lunch supervision used for student relationship-building, and concluding with after-school professional development. The schedule reflects a commitment to both student well-being and teacher support.
Most Important Skills for a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, highlights patience as a crucial skill, noting the need for patience with "young people at wildly different stages" and unexpectedly, with adults. The role also demands flexibility, relationship-building skills, and a strong understanding of "pedagogy and instructional practices that support diverse students," reflecting the complexities of the position's demands.
Favorite Parts of Being a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, most enjoys supporting students who feel unsupported by teachers, and also supporting teachers in understanding the impact of their actions on students. This work allows a "different Power Dynamic" enabling greater empathy for student experiences, combining classroom experience with a unique leadership perspective.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, cites the current teacher shortage as the biggest challenge in their role, noting that they've spent "well over a semester" trying to fill vacancies. This has forced them to balance their usual responsibilities with "planning, grading, and feedback"—tasks typically handled by teachers—highlighting the significant impact of the crisis on school administration.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry as a Dean of Culture and Instruction
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, appreciates the "type of people" in education—those "motivated by doing good for the greater good"—and finds fulfillment in contributing to the future by working with young people. This passion for service and shaping the future is a key driver in their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Dean Of Culture And Instruction At Summit Public Schools
Historically, success in education required significant self-sacrifice from educators, but a shift is underway. Summit Public Schools Dean of Culture & Instruction Ernesto observes a move towards recognizing that "being mindful about students' success and well-being is entirely dependent on teachers' success and well-being as well," indicating a more holistic and sustainable approach to the profession.
What a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, learned that the role counts as public service, a fact that significantly impacts student loan forgiveness. This realization, which Ernesto wishes they had known earlier, makes their career path, which they love, even more rewarding.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Teachers
Given a teacher shortage, entry-level opportunities abound for recent graduates, including "on the job training" programs and substitute teaching to explore different school settings and grade levels. A path into education, as illustrated by the Dean of Culture & Instruction, can also begin through tutoring, mentoring, or Americorps programs.
Career Lesson from a Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Public Schools
Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, learned that a crucial career lesson is shifting from a "Live to work" mentality to a "work to live" approach. This realization, gained after sacrificing relationships to prioritize work early in their career, highlights the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being to truly enjoy life.
College Experiences That Helped A Dean Of Culture And Instruction At Summit Public Schools Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Ernesto, Dean of Culture & Instruction at Summit Public Schools, emphasized the importance of diverse experiences, citing "exposure to different experiences" through tutoring and community work as key to self-discovery. Building community with other first-generation college students, allowing for "shared resources as we navigated something that was brand new to our families," also proved invaluable for their career trajectory.
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