Vanessa, Teacher at Public High School: Advize Career Interview
A career shift from English to Psychology at Saint Mary's College, fueled by a professor's insightful observation, led to a Teach for America experience and ultimately, a fifteen-year journey as a public high school teacher.
This fulfilling career involves teaching reading and mathematics, mentoring colleagues, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
A demanding yet rewarding day includes classroom preparation, lessons, recess, project-based learning, and lesson planning. Data analysis, interpersonal skills, and exceptional customer service are vital.
The greatest joys include "looping" with students, collaborative problem-solving, and witnessing the magic of passionate educators working together.
Challenges involve managing conflicting expectations and navigating evolving educational policies.
A love of children, a commitment to continued education, and a passion for understanding how children learn are key to thriving in this field.
The interviewee learned that the role is emotionally demanding and requires a deep understanding of the learning process beyond basic academics.
Entry-level positions like summer camps, internships, paraeducator roles, and volunteer opportunities are great starting points.
A "live to serve" philosophy from a small liberal arts college and a psychology degree have provided a strong foundation. Parenthood has emphasized work-life balance and a commitment to creating a safe classroom environment.
The interviewee's career exemplifies the impact and rewards of a life dedicated to education.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Vanessa Bobbitt
Teacher
Public High School
St. Mary’s College of California
Eastern Kentucky University, Educational Leadership
Psychology
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Teacher at a Public High School
Vanessa's career path began with a shift from English to Psychology at Saint Mary's College, driven by a professor's insightful observation about their writing. After considering clinical psychology, a Teach for America presentation during the 2008 recession and witnessing disparities among college students sparked a two-year teaching stint in Jackson, Mississippi, ultimately leading to fifteen years in the profession.
Main Responsibilities Of A Teacher At A Public High School
Vanessa's main responsibilities center on teaching reading and mathematics, a core function of her current role as a public high school teacher. Prior experience as an instructional coach, where Vanessa helped implement new teaching strategies and advised on curriculum selection, informs the current commitment to ensuring "other people's children have equal access to opportunity and education every day."
A Day in the Life of a Teacher at a Public High School
Vanessa's day begins before 7:00 AM, involving classroom preparation, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring smooth school operations— "One person being out can really throw off the structure of a day". The day includes a class community meeting, reading and writing lessons, recess ("I get to play Foursquare every day"), math, project-based learning, and ends with lesson planning until around 5:00 PM, showcasing a demanding yet fulfilling career.
Most Important Skills for an Elementary School Teacher at an Elementary School
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, emphasizes the importance of "data analysis" to quantify learning and inform decision-making for students and colleagues. Equally crucial are strong "interpersonal skills" and "customer service skills," reflecting the teacher's multifaceted role in partnering with students, families, and the wider community to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Teacher At Public High School
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, finds the greatest joy in "looping" with students, teaching the same children for multiple years and developing deep relationships, allowing for unique insight into their progress. This, along with the daily collaborative problem-solving with colleagues and the "magic" that happens when "really smart interesting passionate people" work together, makes the role incredibly rewarding.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Teacher at a Public High School
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, identifies managing expectations as the biggest challenge in her role, particularly when navigating conflicting policies impacting both students and herself. This is further complicated by a lack of control over these policies, leading to "a very passionate disagreement" when personal views differ from those implemented.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry as a Public High School Teacher
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, enjoys the current evolution in education, calling it a "really interesting time" due to new research impacting teaching practices; this allows Vanessa, in their mid-career stage, to both share expertise and continue learning from colleagues.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Education, According To A Public High School Teacher
Vanessa, a public high school Teacher, identifies a love of children and a commitment to "continued education courses" as key traits for success in the education industry. The happiest educators, in Vanessa's experience, are those deeply interested in "problem solving, specifically how children learn," viewing their professional development as a lifelong pursuit rather than a checklist.
What a Teacher at High School Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, learned that the role is "the hardest job in the world," requiring far more emotional investment than anticipated, involving deep connections with students who share "really hard things." This work unexpectedly utilizes their psychology degree daily, revealing teaching's complexity beyond basic phonics and numeracy to encompass a much broader understanding of the learning process.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Teachers At Public High School
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, suggests that undergraduate students interested in education explore entry-level options like "summer camps and internships" to gauge their interest in working with children. Further, she highlights the availability of on-site roles such as "paraeducator positions" and volunteer opportunities, noting that these experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of the field.
Significant Career Lesson From a Teacher at a Public High School
Vanessa, a public high school teacher, learned that believing "what people say about themselves" is crucial; those who profess passion for student learning consistently prove to be "passionate partners," highlighting the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in a demanding career.
College Experiences That Helped A Teacher At Public High School Succeed
Vanessa's small liberal arts college instilled a "live to serve" motto, shaping a career dedicated to the greater good, a philosophy that still guides the teacher 15 years later. Their psychology degree provided a strong foundation in quantifying behavior and using data, complemented by experience on the academic honor council, which further highlighted education's profound impact.
How Identity Has Influenced a Teacher's Career at a Public High School
Becoming a parent significantly shifted Vanessa's career priorities, emphasizing work-life balance and creating a "really safe space" in the classroom. This experience led to a reevaluation of career aspirations, choosing the present impact of daily teaching over immediate advancement to administration, prioritizing time with their children while maintaining the option for future leadership roles.
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