Education Advanced Teaching Certificate

A confident educator with an advanced teaching certificate engages her attentive students in a vibrant classroom setting.

Originally hailing from Cleveland, my childhood was a tapestry woven across various states, including Ohio, Florida, and Indiana, each contributing unique threads to my upbringing. These diverse environments have shaped my worldview and enriched my experiences, ultimately leading me to embrace New York City as my home. In this lively and diverse metropolis, I am currently focused on obtaining the necessary qualifications to teach Biology at the middle and high school levels. This aspiration is not merely a career goal; it is a reflection of my lifelong passion for the sciences and my desire to share that enthusiasm with young minds. My career path has brought me to my current role as a Laboratory Safety Officer at Queens College, where I work closely with professors, lab assistants, and graduate students. This position has brought me immense joy and satisfaction from being part of an academic setting, further fueling my deep desire to become a teacher and contribute to the educational landscape.

At Queens College, I have forged meaningful relationships with graduate students who have successfully transitioned into teaching roles at the middle and high school levels. These connections have become invaluable, as I maintain contact with them to share in their experiences and observe their happiness and fulfillment as they embark on their teaching careers. Their stories are not just anecdotes; they are powerful narratives that highlight the impact a dedicated teacher can have on students' lives. I have witnessed firsthand how their enthusiasm for biology translates into engaging lessons that spark curiosity and inspire a love for learning in their classrooms. Their insights have greatly influenced my decision to change careers, driving me to pursue my passion for education and the sciences with renewed vigor and determination.

Although I find my role as a Laboratory Safety Officer both challenging and rewarding, and I greatly enjoy collaborating with my colleagues while appreciating the team camaraderie we share, I am increasingly conscious of a disconnect from my long-standing commitment to lifelong learning and the intellectual stimulation that comes from engaging deeply in the physical sciences. The meticulous focus on environmental regulations, a key aspect of my duties as a Safety Officer, while essential, does not ignite the same passion in me as the broader academic pursuit of teaching and inspiring students does. I often find myself yearning for the dynamic interactions that occur in a classroom setting, where ideas are exchanged, and the joy of discovery is palpable.

Reflecting on my career thus far, I realize that I miss the thrill of studying and learning new concepts. I yearn for greater fulfillment in my work, one that aligns more closely with my interests and passions. The prospect of teaching biology excites me, as I envision fostering a classroom environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and develop a genuine interest in the natural world around them. I am confident that I possess the motivation, maturity, and experience to excel as a biology teacher. The scientific community has profoundly shaped my understanding and appreciation of the subject, and I believe I would bring a unique perspective to the classroom, one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of biology with everyday life. Science has always been my first love, and I am convinced that becoming a biology teacher is not just a career choice but my true calling. I would be immensely grateful for the opportunity to inspire and educate the next generation of students in the fascinating world of biology, helping them to see the beauty and complexity of life through a scientific lens.

Education Advanced Teaching Certificate Program