I would 100% recommend this program… It has broadened my understanding of education and where it is heading in terms of global education.

Hometown

Tulsa, Oklahoma & Big Island of Hawai‘i

Department

Educational Foundations

Related Degrees

• MEd, Educational Foundations: Global Perspectives

What other COE degrees do you hold?
I also earned my BEd in Elementary Education & Multilingual Learning.

Where do you work?
I am currently a third grade teacher at a private bilingual school in Tampico, Mexico where I have been teaching for two years.

Briefly describe your road to college.
I grew up on the Big Island, knowing I would be going to UH Mānoa. However, I took a year off after high school and worked at a bilingual school in Pachuca, Mexico where I realized I wanted to be a teacher – much to the dismay of my mother. Then, I moved to Texas to start college, but I decided Hawai‘i is where I wanted to be. I went to Kapi‘olani Community College before entering the College of Education at UH Mānoa.

How did you become interested in the field of educational foundations?
After I received my bachelor’s, I wanted to get my master’s right away, but I knew that I would be moving back to Mexico to work. That’s when I got an email about this new program that was completely online, and it seemed like a natural fit, so honestly it was perfect.

Would you recommend this program? Why?
I would 100% recommend this program. The professors are so knowledgeable about the content, and the information I have gained is priceless. I think that international teachers or higher education instructors would benefit the most, but of course there is something for everyone. We have elementary through high school teachers, coaches, counselors, and others who take these courses. It has broadened my understanding of education and where it is heading in terms of global education.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Both of my parents are educators, and for my entire life, they expressed how challenging it was and that I should pursue another field. In high school, I wanted to go into environmental studies, but now that I am in education, my mother is thrilled, and she inspires me every day to be a better teacher and mentor to my students. It is not the easiest field, but it is definitely rewarding.

What are your future plans?
My contract at my current school is ending this year, and my plans are open at the moment. I have been looking into PhD programs that are completely online, and I would also like to become certified in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program as many international schools are moving towards this type of education. Whatever I do, I want to continue my education personally and work on becoming a better teacher in general.