Career Roadmap
Heather's work combines: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Spring Arbor University
Doctorate
Organizational Leadership
Spring Arbor University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
Graduate Degree: Secondary School Administration/Principalship
Doctorate: Organizational Leadership
Certification: Educational Leadership and Administration, General
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I had a passion teaching for economics and government. And I loved coaching cheerleading!
2.
I returned to school to earn my MA and administrative credential.
3.
I became a school administrator (Junior High Vice Principal), cut my admin teeth on discipline!
4.
I took over my first high school...600 students from a nearby military base.
5.
For the first time I became empassioned about equity and student success reguardless of background.
6.
Returned to graduate school and earned my doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
7.
Took over a "persistently low achieving" urban school. Built a team to turn around the school!
8.
I wanted to build great schools for all students and went to the District Office---and here I am.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
I should not go into teaching. They said I was too smart for teaching and should go into law or economics. They said I was "wasting" my talents.
How I responded:
Education is demanding but incredibly rewarding. As a teacher the success of my students is better than any money or power I could have earned in another profession. Last month I went to one of my student's baby shower. She graduated from high school 15 years ago but wanted to thank me for helping her become the woman she is today (an athletic team advertising executive). What other job on earth pays you back 15 years later? You have to do what makes you happy, it will pay off in the end.