Skip To Main Content

My Experience

Sharing the Story

Scroll through the images on the right to see what other education professionals have to say about their work and their advice for YOU!

Sharing the Story

 

Why did you decide to work in education?  I fell into this role but found that I truly enjoy helping people find their careers.    Joy Dodge, Project Specialist - HR
Why did you decide to become an educator? I decided to become an early childhood educator because I want to make a difference in the lives of the children and adults that I work with.  I believe childhood is the most important stage of life because it fosters children’s learning, development, and future. For this reason, I find joy facilitating children's learning and adults' learning about this critical period of life.  Jackqueline Espinoza Campos, Early Childhood Educator
Why did you decide to become an educator? After 25 years of working in manufacturing companies as engineer, while I was in-between jobs, someone suggested to me to become a bilingual math teacher. I did and got four bilingual teaching credentials.  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
Why did you decide to become an educator?  In college, I taught my way through school working in youth programming then realized I could work in informal science as a career.  Crystal De Soto-Schmidt, Project Specialist - Native Scholars
What is your favorite thing about being an educator? I absolutely LOVE kids and I love being a catalyst for people's growth and development.  Sheiveh Jones, Assistant Superintendent
What is your favorite thing about being an educator? Being able to provide services to students and their families  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
What is your favorite thing about being an educator? Being able to provide services to students and their families  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
What is your favorite thing about being an educator?  Having the opportunity to contribute to the growth of others. As my professional statement states, my mission is to use my profession to facilitate the learning of others, support their professional growth, and inspire them to reach their full potential.  Jackqueline Espinoza Campos, Early Childhood Educator
What is your favorite thing about being an educator?  Expansive thinking, networking, and learning new ways for success  Crystal De Soto-Schmidt, Project Specialist - Native Scholars
What is a misconception people have about working in education? What would you say to correct that misconception? It's an 8 to 3 job.... Reality is that a good teacher goes above and beyond the school day to ensure students get what they need and that learning is maximized.  Sheiveh Jones, Assistant Superintendent
What is a misconception people have about working in education? What would you say to correct that misconception? At job fairs, I find that a lot of attendees think districts (or COEs) only hire teachers but there are so many other non-teaching professions that impact the students and our community as a whole.   Joy Dodge, Project Specialist - HR
What is a misconception people have about working in education? What would you say to correct that misconception? That people that cannot become teachers. It requires a lot to become a teacher, particularly a lot of heart.  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
What is a misconception people have about working in education? What would you say to correct that misconception? Early childhood education is sometimes described or seen as “taking care of children” instead of “facilitating the education and growth of our children, and as a consequence, of our community”.  If you are working or pursuing a career in education, I want to remind you that YOU MATTER!  Jackqueline Espinoza Campos, Early Childhood Educator
Interview people in the aspect of education you are interested in to find out about the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Sheiveh Jones, Assistant Superintendent Interview people in the aspect of education you are interested in to find out about the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Sheiveh Jones, Assistant Superintendent
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in education? Take that first step and talk to someone like me who can point you in the right direction to find out what you need to do to reach that goal.  Joy Dodge, Project Specialist - HR
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in education? My advice would be to pursue your goal. Education is one of the most essential professionals in life. By working in education, you have the power of changing lives. If you decide to pursue a career in education, you will not only change your life, but you can make an impact on your community as well.  Jackqueline Espinoza Campos, Early Childhood Educator
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in education? Go for it. it is fun and rewarding.  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
Any tips, stories, or words of encouragement for someone who is considering a career in education? Wherever you start, that is most likely not where you are going to end. There are a variety of careers in education and always opportunities for growth and development.  Sheiveh Jones, Assistant Superintendent
Any tips, stories, or words of encouragement for someone who is considering a career in education? There are so many opportunities in education. It takes a village and everyone who works in education including office staff, maintenance, food services, etc. play an important role in helping students succeed.  Joy Dodge, Project Specialist - HR
Any tips, stories, or words of encouragement for someone who is considering a career in education? Takes a lot of patience and understanding, but is totally worth it  Fausto Baltazar, Education Specialist
Any tips, stories, or words of encouragement for someone who is considering a career in education? You can achieve your goals regardless of the limitations you can encounter...What really makes the difference is your commitment and determination!   Jackqueline Espinoza Campos, Early Childhood Educator
Any tips, stories, or words of encouragement for someone who is considering a career in education? Track all of your professional development, networking, volunteering, grants, etc. Data is so helpful! You never know when you will need to draw on this information for a new role, grant, award, etc.  Crystal De Soto-Schmidt, Project Specialist - Native Scholars
My Experience

My Experience

Educators come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to support students and other educators in both teaching non-teaching roles. Click on the video preview image or link to see the personal stories of educators from across San Diego county.

Kimberly Moore

Kimberly is now an education leader but originally planned to become an attorney.

▶️ Kimberly Moore

Michael Wickert

Michael didn't have external encouragement to become a teacher, but persevered to reach his goals. He is now an educator who serves as a role-model to encourage others.

▶️ Michael Wickert

Bianca Andrade

Working as a tutor and in an after-school program is helping Bianca to build skills and experience as she pursues a bilingual education teaching career.

▶️ Bianca Andrade

Elliott Powell

From the Navy to the White House to the classroom, Elliott's career has been about preparing others to be their best.

▶️ Elliott Powell

Liza Flowers

Coaching sports led others to recognize Liza's talents and potential as an educator.

▶️ Liza Flowers

Maria Mujica

Maria now supports students who can relate to her background and challenges.

▶️ Maria Mujica

Yolanda Rogers

After heading down other career paths, Yolanda found her place as a teacher and education leader.

▶️ Yolanda Rogers

Sheiveh Jones

Sheiveh's experience as an immigrant to the United States shaped her as an educator and now as a leader supporting programs for new and aspiring educators.

▶️ Sheiveh Jones

Andrew Baldwin

A challenging high school experience didn't stop Andrew from working his way to a role in education.

▶️ Andrew Baldwin

 

Fabiola Bagula

Fabiola always dreamed of becoming a teacher. The road wasn't easy, but now as a teacher and leader, she works to bring an equity focus to education.

▶️ Fabiola Bagula

Calipso Barrera Gomez

Calipso came to the U.S. as a young girl and struggled due of a lack of knowledge about the education system. She now works to empower others by providing the clarity they need to be successful.

▶️ Calipso Barrera Gomez

Monir Masoud

Monir grew up in a war zone, but kept dreaming big. Now he has the privilege of supporting others on their education journey.

 ▶️ Monir Masoud

Adina Sullivan-Marlow

Though teaching was her first career choice, it wasn't Adina's first career. Now she is helping others to navigate their pathway to a career in education.

▶️ Adina Sullivan-Marlow