This blog has been transcribed from a video interview with LaPorscha Vaugn, cohort 1 teacher fellow at the Educator Academy. This has been formatted to fit a blog. All edits that have been made are for legibility purposes only.
At the heart of The Educator Academy, we are committed to empowering educators with the tools and support they need to receive their certifications and retain as many teachers as possible. Today’s blog is an interview we got to have with a cohort 1 fellow, LaPorshca Vaughn. Check out her journey into education below!
From long-term substitute to teacher of record.
I was a long-term substitute at Compass Elementary. I had just left corporate America, so I was adventuring into something new in education. An opportunity presented itself through my district; they introduced me to The Educator Academy and their teacher fellowship program.
I decided to weigh my options, and initially, I did start another program. However, The first program was very asynchronous. They gave you the study material; you would study the material and then take the test. Whereas with The EA, it was more of a hands-on approach. The Educator Academy takes you by the hand and prepares you for certification. If you need extra support, they’ll provide you with a tutor and other resources to ensure you will pass your certification test. They also provide one-on-one support with a coach. The coach comes into your classroom, and they observe you live in action while you’re teaching. Afterward, you and your coach will meet to debrief.
Summer Institute was very interesting.
Summer Institute was very interesting. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought we would just come in and learn about some things, but we get to the deep root of who you are as a person and your why behind teaching. So if you’re anybody like myself, you’ve been teaching for a few years, and you’re just going through the motions, like you’re doing the lesson planning, you’re good with classroom management, but you’re not understanding the why behind it. And that’s what Educator Academy does; it gives you the language on why you’re supposed to do things.
it is an accelerated, intense, yet exciting experience. The first year you’re focused on becoming a certified teacher. And so how do you do that? You’re studying for your certification test to pass within content areas. Simultaneously, you’re also in classes three times a week.
My coaching experience so far…
My coaching experience has been beneficial to me as an educator. My coach has been relatable and transparent. I’ve enjoyed and appreciated her sharing her journey because she also took the alternative route to certification. Having that person who can relate to you, who gives grace, but who also holds you accountable, is something that I needed. She often reminds me, “you’re already a gifted teacher, but now we just need to work on your skill set”. That’s one of the main things I’ve enjoyed about having a coach.
I’ve noticed the growth within myself in learning how to collaborate with other people and work as a team. So far, I have felt the love. Everyone was non-judgmental and very accepting. And so that part of the experience has been a breath of fresh air because I’m coming in as an outsider, not having much experience in education, but I’ve never felt like an outcast. I’ve always been included. Race has never been a factor. And so I appreciate the community that EA is building here.
Thinking about teacher certification?
What would I say to someone interested in education? I would tell someone to go for it but be willing to do the work. It is not just, here’s the material study for the test, and voila, you’re a teacher. There will be accountability, but there’s also grace because no one’s perfect. The EA provides a space to be your authentic self, so you don’t have to put on a show. They’re not asking you to be something that you’re not. Start Your Education Journey
Become a teacher today!
If you want to apply for our cohort 2 and become a certified teacher, head to our apply page today!
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