How long have you worked in TUSD? Since 2017, 3 years
What is your job title? CTE Business and Video Teacher at Turlock High School
Where did you work prior to TUSD? Before coming to TUSD, I ran (and still operate) my own photography and video company, Corona Images. I have been a photographer for 14 years and specialize in weddings and events but have done/do it all. I graduated with my Bachelors of Fine Art in 2012 and I love using creativity in my business. By having my own business, I have learned a lot of do's and don’ts of the real world that I bring into my classroom and share with my students. I love the CTE model that brings people from the industry world and gives us an opportunity to teach students things that they will encounter in the workplace from the practical experience as well as the academic side of things.
Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? The average day in my classroom is pretty busy. I have 5 preps this year and am the solo teacher in 2 different CTE pathways at Turlock High. I get to start my morning with my Video Arts and Broadcast students, where we work on different video projects for the class and the school, and we set up for
Turlock Today-our new daily live-stream of school announcements and informational or fun videos. Then it is on to Intro to Business & Technology, where students are learning the basics of the business world and we are building a professional career portfolio. Next, I have Small Business Management in which students are learning how to build their own business from start to finish, with a food truck project. My classroom is always bustling with students during lunch from either of my two clubs, Video Productions and FBLA, or students looking for a place to hang out. After lunch, on Wednesdays, I meet with the Work Experience students and go over lessons and information that will help them with their current jobs and prepare them to move on in their professional careers. I end my school day with another round of Intro to Business and Technology.
Things you are most proud of? At THS: Building 2 CTE pathways from the ground up: Business and Video Production. In addition to teaching business, I also advise FBLA and over the past 3 years, I have been so proud of my students and helping them grow from 1 to 42 members. Starting Turlock Today this year has also been a major accomplishment! I have also been so impressed when my past students come back and tell me of the things they are doing in their lives and how the lessons I taught them have helped or impacted them and their lives after high school. In my life: Getting married and raising 3 wonderful children and building our family. Graduating with my BFA and getting my CTE credential. Also, facing all of the challenging jobs that I have done in my own business.
Challenges?
It has been a challenge to build my programs and curriculum from scratch but I am thoroughly enjoying it!
Turlock Today presents its' own set of issues and challenges as we are still learning how this media works logistically and in our school culture.
Favorite memory/story? My brother, Marty, died in 1998 when he was 21 years old. When I found out that I was pregnant with my first child I said if it was a boy I wanted to name him after my brother. My brother’s birthday was Christmas Eve and when I had my son on Christmas day the name Marty just seemed extra fitting!
What are you reading?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a _____ and
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Any favorite shows you’re watching on TV? I don’t have cable, but I do watch some shows.
Games of Thrones was a favorite and I also recently watched
Witcher.
Anne with an E is also really good.
Fave movies? Anything action-Marvel,
Star Wars, etc. Musicals-
The Greatest Showman,
Les Miserables, etc
Anything surprising we may not know about you? Although I wear high heels often now, I was a really big tomboy growing up. I love to work with my hands and can fix almost anything.
Anything about your personal life you’d like to share? I love to be creative. My mom taught me to so from a young age and to be self-reliant. I loved learning how to cook and bake with her in the kitchen and this has led me to love making homemade meals for my family and friends. I go visit my family in Montana every summer and love taking road trips. Some of my favorite things to do are exploring new places and making memories with my family. I also love being in nature-out at the lake, floating the river, hiking, etc.
