My Path To Becoming An Educator

As I finished high school, a few words that described how I felt were lost, shy, and uncertain. Despite these feelings, I went away to college at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown to start my journey toward a career in education. I soon found out that being away from home and my family was harder than I thought, and it was not an environment where I could thrive.

I transferred to Carlow University, where I could still live at home while pursuing my degree. Carlow was everything I needed. The teaching staff and educators were supportive and encouraging. They saw how passionate I was about becoming a teacher, and they helped me start finding myself and building the confidence to come out of my comfort zone.

teaching at Riverview Children’s Center. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I still didn’t have full confidence in myself and was hesitant to interview for education positions. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I noticed that RCC was hiring a lifeguard, so I applied and got the job. I spent one summer as a lifeguard and soon after, I was asked to work as a substitute teacher in the classrooms.  

I substituted throughout the center and took over for the School-Age Coordinator during her maternity leave. In no time, RCC asked me to become a permanent assistant teacher in the school-age room as well as a camp counselor for the summer. With each step, I was proud of myself, but I still had this underlying fear and lack of confidence. I worked in that position for 11 years. I built wonderful relationships with children, families, and staff during that time. I was evolving as an individual and an educator and feeling so fortunate to have found a place that felt like family to me. 

My Boss Believed In Me

My confidence grew in this nourishing environment, and I found greater clarity about what I wanted for my career. In the summer of 2022, my boss called me while I was at the local field with the summer camp kids, and asked if I was ready to take on a bigger role as lead teacher of the young toddler room. My emotions were all over the place: shock, uncertainty, fear, curiosity. I listened to all the assuring, supportive, and most importantly proud things she had to say about me, how far I have come, and how much she was looking forward to me stepping into this role.  

I went home that day, talked with my parents, and decided this would be the perfect position for the next step out of my comfort zone. I called my boss and told her I was ready to embark on this journey. She and my other coworkers were extremely supportive. Accepting that position was the best decision of my life.  

I feel confident in the work I do and the impact I get to make every day and that would have never been the case without the support of amazing staff, families, and children. My career in early education has been exactly what I needed to believe in myself so I can confidently develop my gifts and skills and pour them into the children. 

Learn, Grow, Give Back

I advocate strongly for people who want to enter the early childhood education field. We as educators have a special role in providing positive, welcoming, and safe environments and experiences for children. I see firsthand the impact educators have on instilling confidence in children and adults. Educators who enjoy their jobs are more likely to build stronger relationships with children, therefore helping them to build courage and self-belief as they grow. 

Educators have a huge impact on how children perceive the world and who they can trust based on those relationships built as a child. We need current and future educators to know how meaningful this role is and how valued their contributions are.

As a career path, early childhood education is ideal for people who are deeply caring and want to work in service of others. Together, we create nourishing communities in schools where the children and teachers can grow, learn, and thrive together.