New Chapters: Finding Fulfillment From Corporate to Classroom
“Our recent photo session with Alissa was fun. My daughter, my dog, and I had such a great time. I love these casual photos of us!” Jennifer Scott, Business Teacher at the Donald Payne School of Technology, said that after her recent photo session.
“Following a successful career in corporate marketing, I began volunteering for a non-profit organization doing marketing and business development. The non-profit provided after-school education to middle school girls in STEM subjects. Even though I worked on the business side, I was exposed to curriculum development for a few courses. It was fascinating. So, when one of the middle school teachers suggested substitute teaching, I tried it. While subbing, I learned about the alternate route program to becoming a New Jersey-certified teacher, designed for people who have not completed a formal teacher prep program at an accredited college or university.
While researching alternate route programs, I spoke to a program administrator with a similar professional background. She told me about high school business programs and the need for high school business teachers. I thought that would be a really good way to use the many skills I had developed in my career as a corporate marketer.
I took an alternate route course over the summer, and my professor suggested, ‘You should apply for jobs,’ so I started applying. If I didn’t do it then, I would have had to wait for the next school year. I took the Praxis exam for teachers, got a certificate of eligibility, started interviewing for jobs, and received a couple of job offers. I decided on Payne Tech because it’s a progressive school offering a wide range of programs, including business, environmental science, robotics, music technology, engineering, and traditional vocational programs such as plumbing, masonry, and cosmetology. Students choose a major from the broad range of programs when they enter 9th grade. Things are going well. I am almost through my first year of teaching, and I haven’t had to go to my car to cry yet!
My piece of advice to those who are pivoting: Keep all of your options open. The job market for the older population is tough. It is not the way it should be, but that is the way it is. Consider things you never thought you would consider.
After a long career in corporate marketing, I had to make a financial adjustment. I learned to be open to doing something I’d never thought I’d do, but I truly enjoy.
Alissa and I became friends while we were taking a Zoom knitting class during COVID. We both have curly hair. She sent me an email about where I get my hair cut. As we messaged back and forth, we realized we lived close to each other, so we decided to get together and knit. Since it was COVID, we would sit 6’ apart and knit. A fast friendship developed! Then, when she became a photographer, she would practice by taking photos of me. Whether it is headshots or the more recent PupShots, I love her amazing photos!”