Posted February 4, 2020- By Molly Rutter, SOE Graduate Assistant
“It was not easy leaving my job, my home, and my family to come to Texas, but I did it! If you are someone who has a desire to explore or try something new, I would say do your research and then go for it! Too often we let fear run our lives, when in reality fear is simply a figment of our imagination. I think Erin Hanson says it best: ‘What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?’”
Brianna first visited Houston in May 2016, where she and a group of Buffalo State students got to observe a local school for a week. She got such a good impression of the weather, food and people in Houston that she went on to complete her student teaching there. “It was an eye-opening experience,” she said. “I was placed in an ESL classroom. I was not trained for ESL so I learned a lot of great techniques. Also, my mentor teacher was fabulous!”
As a result of her positive student teaching experience, Brianna decided Houston was the right fit for her to pursue her first teaching job. “I love the diversity in the community,” she said. “I love the opportunities that are available to me here and the salary for first year teachers.”
Brianna ultimately landed a position as a first grade teacher at Askew Elementary School. Although there are noticeable differences in the educational system in Texas compared to New York State, Brianna has adjusted by being open to feedback, attending lots of professional development and creating her own support group with fellow teachers where she feels comfortable getting ideas and sharing her experiences. “These things have really helped me to rise to the occasion and meet the needs of my students,” she said. “It has not been easy by any means but I am finally seeing some success and it is very rewarding.”
Brianna admits to the challenges that come with any first teaching job and moving away from home, but she adores her students and loves how much she is learning. “I absolutely adore Houston! This city is simply wonderful! I would definitely recommend Houston to a prospective teacher.
