Career Roadmap
Dr. Amy K.'s work combines: Education, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Clear Lake
Bachelor's Degree
Music, General
University of Houston
Graduate Degree
Music Pedagogy
Stephen F Austin State University
Doctorate
Education, General
Walden University
Certification
Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Western New Mexico University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Instructional Coordinators:
Bachelor's Degree: Education, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
All I wanted to be was a band director. I completed my undergraduate degree and became one!!
2.
Band directing did not go well with single parenthood. I had to make tough choices after my husband left the family.
3.
I moved my family to another state to be closer to our extended family and took a position in elementary music so I could have more time for my daughter.
4.
I enrolled in an online masters program and was the first person to complete that program completely online.
5.
I encountered an extremely negative person who completely devalued my life's work. She had a doctorate. She was a negative role model, but I figured if she could do it, so could I!!
6.
I enrolled at Walden University and completed my required coursework. I was unsure of the direction of my doctoral study until I received positive feedback at an international symposium.
7.
I completed my doctoral study and attended commencement in 2013. I was disappointed when the opportunities in public education I had hoped to pursue were not available to me, even with a doctorate.
8.
I left K12 education to accept my current position which allows me to continue to help people change their lives through education. I am working on a graduate certificate so I can move back to K12.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
I was a music specialist in a public school setting. An administrator told me that it was nice that our school had a music teacher but since the students were not tested over it, it really wasn't important.
How I responded:
That person had a doctorate. I believed that if someone like THAT could complete a doctoral program, so could I!! And I set out to do it and I did!!!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I would never have been able to complete this degree without student loans. Best thing ever: Public Service Loan Forgiveness. I am enrolled in a repayment program that sets my monthly payment based on my income.
As a single parent, taking time off of my career in order to pursue a traditional degree was not an option. Online degree programs gave me the opportunity to continue my education while still providing for my family.