The Education FOI Alumni Career Panel panelists shared tips on the mindset that has helped them to achieve professional and personal success. They provided first-hand knowledge and candid advice on their experiences in the field of education.
The inspiring Panelists and their current areas of career focus:
- Melanie Akins - Early Childhood Arts Educator
- Alondra Alvarez Ortiz - Elementary Education/Special Education
- Nick Bechard - High School Teacher
- Dr. Eric Bucher - Early Childhood Education Administrator
- Jennifer Hicks - Early Childhood Teacher
One panel attendee wrote, “They gave much insight on the realities of teaching. I learned how important it is to know that YOU belong and YOUR voice matters. You can use your voice for not just yourself but to help others find their voice. My number one goal in my career is to create a positive impact in the lives of others and I know that I can do that as a teacher especially after listening to the panelists this evening!”
Was there a key moment in time that influenced you in your career path? If so, please share.
Alondra - I was born in Durango, Mexico and moved to the U.S. in second grade. I didn’t read, write or speak English. I had an inspiring 2nd grade teacher. She saw her students for more than just students.
Eric - As a young child, I had a speech impediment. I utilized art as a means to express myself. I was a child with a special need/right. I learned to communicate in specific ways. At a young age, I learned that all of us contribute to the community. I learned my voice was important.
Jennifer - I have always known I wanted to be a teacher. When my sister and I played school as children, I always wanted to play the teacher role. I entered the field 21 years ago. When I was with my first group of children ages 4-5 years, one student had speech difficulties and I was able to be the voice for that child. I then realized this is where I was meant to be. I went back to school to become better qualified. It’s been a journey listening to children and helping them share their voice.
There are many different career paths in the Education profession. How would you advise students on how to choose their path?
Alondra - There are lots of paths. 1) Have a vision for 2-5 years ahead. Set the vision in your head and heart. It will steer you. 2) Get as much experience as you can. Get involved with schools, classes, clubs, etc. You’ll learn the best with experience. All PVCC classes give you a glimpse of the career paths in Education.
Eric - Get involved on and off campus, develop relationships, foster collaboration, and a sense of community. You belong with whatever path you choose to take. Find what motivates you. Equity is very important - you have to step up. All of us belong and we all have perspectives that are unique and valuable. Education is a community that lives and works together. It is your obligation/responsibility to create equitable learning situations.
Jennifer - Know your why. Why do you have this passion; try different things out. Take different classes, talk to different people, get into places where you think you want to be. Spend time within communities and age groups you want to serve. Be brave. We all belong. Interview places as much as they are interviewing you. Know up front what they are asking of you, so you can determine whether you can provide that and sustain that.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before you chose your career path?
Alondra - The workload extends far beyond the classroom. You have to plan, organize and prioritize. You have to put time into creating engaging and meaningful lessons. I wish I knew how connected a teacher can become to their students. I always want them to succeed.
Eric - We’re all lifelong learners. I wish I had known how powerful our voices can be in the work that we do. Make sure there are investments in childcare, teachers, etc. Advocate for action in the legislature. Our voice and vote is so powerful.
Jennifer - Classroom management is key. All people listen to relationships rather than rules. Build a foundation of trust; we are there to help the learner. It comes down to the relationship you have developed with the learner. Everyone makes mistakes; we can learn from them and determine how we can fix them and move forward. Listening can sometimes get you further than speaking with both learners and colleagues. Find your people and your community.
How have your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impacted the work that you do?
Alondra - PVCC provided: 1) community in a very inviting and welcoming environment, and 2) leadership opportunities. ClubEd provided a great opportunity to get involved and build many relationships and connections. PVCC offered countless leadership opportunities so I went to NAU all fired up. I was ready to be in the classroom.
Eric - There is a great program in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at PVCC. The focus on student-centered learning is key. PVCC faculty deeply care about our success and well-being. Children’s rights are key and PVCC helped deepen my commitment to this. PVCC moved me from status quo to new heights of advocacy. I became a champion for children and education because of my PVCC experience. The ECE Program saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. The experience helped me develop my own identity and listen to ideas and collaborate with colleagues. I developed a deep commitment to the moral and ethical rights of children.
Jennifer - I was in the education field before PVCC. I was asked to get additional credentials and in doing this I learned about other options. Christie and Ana showed genuine interest. They lift you up; they are models for life-long learners. The idea of reflection has been a huge piece of my experience. In going back to school, I learned different perspectives. I see obstacles or barriers as different opportunities, not as a stop sign.
What advice would you like to share for current students interested in the Education related professions?
Nick - The profession takes a big investment in life, there are trade-offs, be prepared, set that expectation.
Melanie - Get involved in clubs, organizations, special events, volunteer and professional development opportunities. Be on the lookout for opportunities for engagement, advocacy groups, etc. They will energize you. Interact with the age group you want to work with, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Positive experiences will refuel you.
Is there anything you would have done differently on your educational journey? If so, please share.
Melanie - I would follow my interests. Besides returning to school, returning to what I found most fulfilling and sticking to what brought me joy. PVCC made going to college feasible. The Child Development Center led me to where I am today.
Nick - I wouldn’t change much. The time at PVCC was very helpful. I supplemented class learning with my own research and from other professionals to develop my own style of how to manage the classroom. Doing this throughout my collegiate time made going into the classroom easier. I put myself in a position to have a high amount of success; I took the right steps in college.
What was your biggest challenge in your educational journey and what did you do to overcome it?
Nick - Encountering some people that didn’t share the same style or vision for teaching. Creative liberty is important to me. Allow it to fuel you.
Melanie - Speaking publicly used to cause a lot of anxiety. I was asked to speak publicly about my work. Mentors encouraged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. I keep in mind that I have stories to share with others and that helps me manage my anxiety. I’ve been given healthy opportunities to grow in the process.
While you were a student, were there any internships, job shadowing, volunteering or work experience that helped you gain employment after graduation? If so, please share.
Melanie - I was a student worker at the PVCC Child Development Center. One day I was invited to join interns at the program in North Scottsdale. I went to apply for the position later. I received a nice recommendation from PVCC faculty and I have worked there for the last 13 years. Recommendations from PVCC faculty have helped her secure jobs.
Nick - I established relationships and connections and determined what was not going to be a part of my repertoire. I benefited from observations. Nick referenced Michelangelo who may have said I chipped out all that was not David. View yourself and say not that, not that, then you are left with what you want to do. Need those push and pull factors, what is pulling you to make you want to do it. Your “pull factors” need to outnumber your “push factors.”
How do you manage your expectations?
Jennifer - Know what your fuel is. We are responsible for how we make material accessible. She compared teaching to parenting; laying the foundation so they no longer need us and are ready to take the next steps. Finding those moments of success, yes I did it! We are human. We are responsible for how we connect and how we put ourselves out there. It’s okay; you can be successful.
Melanie - Learn breathing techniques, okay to make mistakes, take a pause, breathe, reflect, listen, observe.
Alondra - Find a schedule that best works for your life. Put as much work into your self development as your professional life.
Nick - I enjoy the work; yes, it is strenuous. At the end of the day I may feel exhausted, however, I embrace the feeling of complete satisfaction I feel. This makes it all worthwhile. Quote: “Home is not where you are from, it is the place where all your attempts to escape cease.”