Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Secondary Leads And Teachers At International School Of Aruba
Many entry-level teaching opportunities exist, including Teach for America and similar programs that allow individuals to begin teaching immediately after college, a reality further enhanced by current teacher shortages and evolving credentialing requirements. Sean's rapid career progression from teacher to principal highlights the impact of hard work, seizing opportunities, and maintaining integrity—a mindset Sean believes is crucial for early career success, noting, "I'm gonna work really hard. I'm gonna take every opportunity. I'm gonna operate with integrity".
Entry-Level Positions, Career Advancement, Teacher Shortage, Hard Work and Dedication, Networking and Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sean Holiday
Secondary Lead/Teacher
International School of Aruba
George Washington University, 2006
Masters in Education, Loyola Marymount University, 2008; Master in Public Administration, University of Southern California, 2012
International Relations & Affairs
Education
Education
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Several programs like Teach for America and New York teaching fellows allow individuals to begin teaching careers directly after college, regardless of their undergraduate major.
2. Many states are adapting their credentialing requirements due to teacher shortages, potentially enabling faster entry into the field.
3. Success in education, according to Sean, involves hard work, taking every opportunity, operating with integrity, and building strong professional relationships. This mindset is crucial from entry-level positions onwards.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
I don't work for TFA, so this isn't a plug. But there are many ways to get into education, no matter your major. There's Teach for America, New York Teaching Fellows, and other programs in states like Kentucky.
These programs allow you to start teaching right out of college, regardless of your major. Plus, with the massive teacher shortage, many states are changing their credentialing requirements. This can allow you to get credentialed and move up very quickly.
I taught for three years before becoming an assistant principal, which I did for 10 months before becoming a principal. I think a huge part of this is luck and being in the right place at the right time. It's also about standing out, working hard, pushing yourself, and taking every opportunity.
My career has seen me go back and forth between roles like teacher, principal, and mentor. But I know I could return to LA and secure a high-level education job because I've always operated with a specific mindset. I'm going to work hard, seize opportunities, and act with integrity.
This mindset allows me to connect with former colleagues and return to previous workplaces. I believe that starting in an entry-level position with this outlook from day one makes a significant difference.
Advizer Personal Links
www.seanholiday.com; Instagram @sholiday