Teacher Pathway Partnership
Student Spotlight-Spring 2018
Cole Panning
Did you always want to be a teacher?
No, at the age of 25 Cole decided that he wanted to go back to school. The idea of going back to the classroom was met with a little skepticism because of his high school performance. A t Fullerton College, Cole found a home in the robotics department and the student-led workshops. The light bulb came on and Cole was inspired -he believed he could teach too.
What has been the best part of the program experience?
Cole says working with students and the opportunities that come with leadership, "...it's the positivity, it's learning, it's being a part of education..." When you are fully immersed in something you really enjoy the entire experience is positive.
In what ways do you hope to make a difference in the field of education?
Simply stated "...the reason why I like teaching is to get people to recognize that there is more to themselves than what they realize..." Cole will accomplish that goal through being honest and real with students in a positive way. Challenging them to stick to the path, plan for the future and full commitment.
What are your post program goals?
"I want to grow in as many places as I can, and really understand how I can be effective." Cole is looking forward to being in the industry as a software developer and wants to "come back to education" once his degree is complete. Cole is looking to teach as an adjunct professor as well as work in the software industry.
How are the people and the program helping you along your way?
The people are fantastic! He highlighted how everyone in the program does so much for the program. Some are stretched thin, yet they continue to work hard, and become an inspiration for success.

  Continuing college students   may apply for the Teacher Pathway Partnership here (osp.fullcoll.edu/college-students/).
Campus Tours for High School Students - 2018
The Orange County Teacher Pathway Partnership is a program that guides high school and college students to explore and pursue the many opportunities available in the education profession. This past fall, Fullerton College Teacher Pathway Program hosted visits for Katella, La Habra, and Sunny Hills High School students interested in becoming teachers. During the months of September and October, over eighty students and their advisors toured Fullerton College; met Teacher Pathway counselor, Jeannie Mitsch; and visited the Child Development and Educational Studies (CDES) Lab School. Students were exposed to the nature-based learning curriculum and the opportunity to explore the hands-on environment. After these visit, students commented that they were even more inspired to become teachers. 

Fullerton College Teaching Matters Conference - 2018
The Teaching Matters Conference:  A Pathway to Your Teaching Career was held on Saturday, February 24th on the Fullerton College Campus.  The focus of the conference was to encourage high schools students to become teachers and inform them of the benefits and resources available through the
FC Teacher Pathway Program. 
 
Teacher Pathway Counselor, Jeannie Mitsch informed and inspired the high school students during her workshop, "Where Do I Go from Here?"  She explained the various pathways students can take to become a pre-school, elementary or high school teacher and how the Teacher Pathway Cohort can help them reach their goals.  During this session, a panel of two FC freshmen and two "soon to be graduates" shared their experiences and challenges as a college student and the many advantages of attending Fullerton College and being part of the cohort.  Other workshops included how to create an effective lesson plan; classroom management techniques; and learning about EOPS and Financial Aid. Approximately 70 students attended the conference. Students were from the following school districts: Fullerton, Anaheim, La Habra, and Placentia-Yorba Linda. Many of the students will join us in the Fall 2018.

President and Vice President of the FC SCTA (Student California Teachers Association) along with Teacher Pathway Cohort students created and presented the workshop, "Explore Lesson Plans."

Photo above: Cole Panning, President; Scarlett Ortiz (Cohort student); Haylee Grimmer, Vice President; Destiny Ceballos (Cohort student)


Teacher Pathway Program-Counselors
Jeannie Mitsch - Teacher Pathway Counselor
Jeannie Mitsch transferred from Fullerton College to UCLA and received an undergraduate degree in Biology. She then graduated from the University of La Verne where she received a master's degree in Educational Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling. She can help you with faculty mentoring, internships and fieldwork. To make an appointment please email  jmitsch@fullcoll.edu.

Constance Walsh - Teacher Pathway Counselor
Constance Walsh has served as an adjunct instructor at Fullerton College in the Psychology department since fall 2015. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has over ten years of experience in community mental health. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she moved to Southern California in 2008, after earning her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. Constance also provides academic counseling support to OC Teacher Pathway Partnership students. She loves working with students to help them realize their boundless potential. She also enjoys the outdoors, and can often be found with family exploring new hiking trails! To make an appointment email  cw alsh@fullcoll.edu.

Teacher Pathway Partnership Cohort Benefits.
  • The program provides students with a successful college plan.
  • A clear understanding of various careers working with children. 
  • A dedicated Teacher Pathway counselor to guide students through the program. 
  • Textbook borrowing program for select courses that meet the program requirements. 
  • Valuable job/volunteer opportunities that help students graduate on time and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain a job in education.
Incoming Freshmen   are eligible to apply for the Teacher Pathway Partnership Cohort (osp.fullcoll.edu/high-school/).