What a Teacher at a School and Community College Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Truth, a history teacher and adjunct professor, wished they had known about UCLA's exceptional teacher education program earlier in their career; the program, particularly its focus on social justice and underserved populations ("school to prison pipeline"), provided invaluable training and mentorship from faculty like Dr. Howard and Dr. Andrade, a realization that could have saved them significant student loan debt.
Teacher Education Programs, Social Justice, Urban Education, Student Support, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Truth Akins
History Teacher and Adjunct Professor
SAGE Magnet & Cerro Coso Community College
San Diego State University
UCI Criminology and UCLA Urban Education
Criminal Justice
Education
Education
Disabled, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Transfer Student, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Seek out teacher education programs focused on social justice and underserved communities.
2. UCLA's Urban Education program is highlighted as a valuable resource, emphasizing the importance of finding a program aligned with your values and goals.
3. Networking with professors and mentors can significantly impact your career trajectory and provide crucial guidance. Finding your 'tribe' of like-minded educators is essential
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I wish I'd known UCLA had such a great teacher's education program. It doesn't matter if you're scared to be in front of students or if you're healing in some way.
I'm not sure if it was UCLA or mostly the people who led the program. I don't know if they're still there; they may have moved on. So, I can't give UCLA all the credit.
It was mostly the people there when I graduated in 2016. They were focused on social justice and making a difference in schools, like addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.
When I see them now, I realize I didn't know about them until after I asked another professor who focused on language learners. I asked her where the teachers were who focused on people in prison and those who were dropping out. She told me I needed to go somewhere like UCLA Urban Education.
She was right. When I got there, I felt like I had found my tribe, my people. They truly impacted me. If I had known about them earlier, I would have gone straight from Grossmont College to UCLA to become a teacher.
They will make you a good teacher, and I hope they are still there. I hope UCLA is still represented by those good people. I know Dr. Tyrone Howard is still there. I believe Dr. Andrade also has a program for young black males in Englewood.
They run a program at Morningside High, and they are amazing. So, if you get a chance to work with people like that, go for it. Don't waste money on so many student loans.
I have some loans to pay back from my education.