SFC / Early Education for All Campaign: Early Educators Profiles

Luisa is a full-time Lead Teacher at the Community Action Agency of Somerville Head Start and has been in the early education field for 16 years. Luisa has two more classes to complete before earning her associates degree in the spring of 2009 and hopes to continue her education with the Early Educators Scholarship.

With support from the Building Careers program and the Early Educators Scholarship, Luisa was able realize her dream of returning to school to advance her education.

There were many barriers for Luisa to overcome before being able to pursue a higher education degree. “The main barrier for me was that English is my second language. I was also raising a family, there was a financial burden, and I was working full-time,” notes Luisa.

Today, Luisa is realizing her dreams. “I just can not believe that coming from another country and speaking another language that I would be earning my degree.” Luisa’s advice to early educators interested in continuing their education is, “go for it!”

Lynn is a full-time Lead Teacher at the Carriage House Nursery School in Cohasset. She has worked in the field of early childhood for over 20 years. She started of as a Teachers Aide, and worked her way up as a Teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Director over the years. Lynn started taking courses through Building Careers in January 2007, and today is close to receiving her degree.

"After I successfully finished my Building Careers class, I had the wisdom and courage to continue pursuing my degree."

Lynn faced several hurdles that prevented her from returning to school, including finances and independently raising two young children. She returned to school, after ten years, feeling very overwhelmed, but that feeling did not last long. According to Lynn, “After I successfully finished my first Building Careers class, I had the wisdom and courage to continue pursuing my degree. I felt more confident as an educator learning things in class and facilitating them into the classroom.” Through her schooling, Lynn feels better equipped at utilizing assessment tools to determine areas of weakness and strength and incorporate that information to guide her lesson plans.

Acknowledging the Building Careers facilitators, Lynn recognizes that, “The support has been unbelievable. They guide you through the whole process: applying to the school, applying for FASFA, and finally applying for the Early Educators Scholarship.” Lynn noted, “There were many questions I had, and felt I was guided in the right direction each time.”

Lynn’s goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree. She is grateful to have the support of co-workers and family in helping her achieve her goal. Recognizing that, “It is sometimes difficult to keep up the balance of working, school, and family, but I give it my best and keep moving toward my goal of earning my bachelor’s degree.”

Michelle is a full-time Lead Teacher at the Community Action Agency of Somerville Head Start and has been in the early education field for 14 years. In January 2009, Michelle will earn her bachelor’s degree, an accomplishment made possible through the Early Educator Scholarship Program.

Many barriers and challenges prevented Michelle from pursuing higher education. The main deterrent was affording the cost of education as well as making time between working full-time and raising a family, but “if you really want it you can make it work.”

Michelle notes that, “The Early Educators Scholarship made it possible for me to accomplish one of the biggest dreams that I had - furthering my education and completing my bachelor’s degree. This scholarship is going to help me have a better future, not just for me but my family too.”

Michelle cannot believe she will be done in January, “I have only dreamed of this happening and know the dream has only opened up more doors and more dreams. This achievement has made me feel better about myself as a person and more confident in what I do with the children and families that I serve.”

Michelle’s has started thinking about the possibility of returning to school for her Masters in Special Education and to “continue spreading the word about the Early Educators Scholarship so others can accomplish their dream like I did.”

Lakia Small has been in the early education and care field for five years. She earned an associates degree from Bunker Hill Community College in June of 2004, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Lakia went back to school in the summer of 2008 and is working toward her bachelor's degree with support from the Building Careers program and an Early Educators Scholarship.

There were many challenges that prevented Lakia from returning to school, including having a young child to support. However, with encouragement from her co-workers and family, and support from the Building Careers program and the Early Educators Scholarship, Lakia is pursuing her dream to earn her bachelor’s degree. Lakia is "proud to be a role model for my child and my students."