Sacramento Teacher Enjoys Teaching, Sees As A Job Surge In Education

Julie Schon is a primary school teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary School. A veteran educator, Schon taught Kindergarten for 7 years before taking a 1st grade post at Oak Ridge. Her veteran leadership is revered, as record turnover in the Sacramento area school districts takes place. The Department of Education predicts a hiring surge in 2015, as older teachers retire, and the student population increases. Schon speaks on the rewards of her trade and the importance of her educational background.

What does your current job entail?

"I teach first grade in a culturally and linguistically diverse school in Sacramento. I am responsible for teaching multiple subjects that include reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning."

What is your favorite part of your daily duties?

"My favorite part of my daily duties happens every morning before my students enter the classroom. Each morning I greet the students at the door with a high-five or handshake. Seeing their smiles and excitement for starting the school day is what gets me motivated to enter the classroom and teach each of them with as much passion and effort as I can. This morning greeting gives me that time to acknowledge each one of them, check in with them and give them a smile to let them know that I am so glad they came to school and are excited to learn."

Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?

"Education played a big part in preparing me to become a teacher. The general education classes that were required gave me the knowledge to be able to teach multiple subjects to multiple grade levels. After the general education courses, the courses specific to education were a huge asset to my career preparation. They provided me with a chance to learn and practice the process of lesson planning, differentiating instruction, classroom management, building student and family relationships, assessments and lesson delivery. One of the most beneficial parts of the education I received was the student teaching that took place during the credential program. This was a chance to 'practice' teaching with the guidance and coaching of a mentor teacher, while attending classes where you could debrief and discuss with professors and fellow colleagues your student teaching experiences."

Do you have any advice for people wanting to pursue a similar career?

"My advice for people wanting to pursue a career in teaching would be to step into as many classrooms as you can, whether it be to observe or to volunteer. Not only does this give you experience prior to getting your credential, but it also gives you a sense of what grade levels and what communities you are interested in teaching in. Working with children of all different ages in any capacity will help you to figure out what grade levels suit you best. If you are already in school, I strongly recommend looking into any internships that are offered so that you can begin to get a feel for being in a classroom and can begin to gain hands-on experience prior to going into a credential program."

Christopher Millard is a freelance writer and cultural critic whose music reviews can be found on Examiner.com. He also works as a publicist for Valence Communications Group and is a contributor to the health and wellness magazine, Hybrid. Chris currently resides in Sacramento, California.