![Image of Diana Rodriguez Teacher candidate with Academy for Rising Educators Seattle Public Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622774673/psesdorg/iox8liynnlqt9wmlvmn4/rodriguez_diana-106a.jpg","width":2200}])
Showing up for students so they know their voices matter. Learn more on Diana Rodriguez's why.
Glenn Jenkins’ Story: The Career Changer
Glenn Jenkins, 4th/5th grade teacher, Dick Scobee Elementary School, Auburn School District
Glenn’s career-changing pathway to education
How did you get certified as a teacher?
I went back to school age 40 at Heritage University’s Bachelor’s degree in Education program.
How did you pay for school?
I continued working full-time as a telecom engineer while in school. It wasn’t easy juggling work, a full load of classes, and parenting, but I knew teaching would be a rewarding career, so I kept at it and completed my second Bachelor’s in years.
How did you like your program?
I loved it, especially the educational framework built around social justice.
Do you have any endorsements?
Yes: an English Language Learner endorsement, which I recommend for all teachers — even if you’re not multilingual (like me!). An ELL endorsement helps teachers reach all students better, no matter what language you and they speak.
Are you a career changer interested in teaching?
- Visit TeachWA.org to explore numerous teacher preparation pathways and programs.
- Learn about options specifically tailored to career changers.
- Some programs are specific to military veterans, like the Washington State Troops to Teachers Program.
- Questions? Go to our Becoming an Educator tool to connect with an Educator Pathway Navigator who can respond to questions specific to your situation.
Archive
![Image of Glenn Jenkins 4th/5th grade teacher Dick Scobee Elementary School Auburn School District]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622773469/psesdorg/hfid2wmy90fran8ggpxw/jenkins_glenn-103.jpg","width":2200}])
Learn how Glenn Jenkins made the switch from telecommunications engineer to teacher in his early 40s, when he and his wife were about to have their first child.
![Image of Glenn Jenkins 4th/5th grade teacher Dick Scobee Elementary School Auburn School District]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622773443/psesdorg/cgbwfw1umfdf0o5asfeu/jenkins_glenn-108a.jpg","width":2200}])
Learn why Glenn Jenkins made the switch from telecommunications engineer to teacher in his early 40s, when he and his wife were about to have their first child.
![Image of Alex Castro-Wilson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622770577/psesdorg/uess5trmfjhideov3fit/AlexCastro-Wilson-story.jpg","width":2200}])
Read more about Alex’s pathway from high school teacher academy to paraeducator to certified teacher
![Image of Alex Castro-Wilson, 4th grade teacher at Benson Hill Elementary School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1622767180/psesdorg/ctpi1scqmrlgtjtraofn/AlexCastro-Wilson.jpg","width":1999}])
Once a student in high school teacher academy, now a mentor. Learn more about Alex Castro-Wilson's why.
![Image of Tenea Jones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622816956/psesdorg/ou30fvexm0x85ijpg9es/jones_tenea-120.jpg","width":2200}])
Read about Tenea Jones' story on her educational pathway towards becoming an assistant principal at TAF@Saghalie 6-12, Federal Way Public Schools.
![Image of Tenea Jones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1618813198/psesdorg/oyahcycvwohvteebt0uw/jones_tenea-130a.jpg","width":2200}])
Read about how Tenea Jones, Assistant Principal at TAF@Saghalie 6-12, Federal Way Public Schools got a seat at the table, putting youth voices first.
![Image of Yazmin Gil]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1618812649/psesdorg/fxpuomyeoftujtruyp8f/YazminGil.jpg","width":1999}])
Read about Yazmin Gil's story on how she pursued teaching as a career.
![Image of Yazmin Gil]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1618812009/psesdorg/dbswlt9vzuyyx0x9cloa/gil_yazmin-109a.jpg","width":2200}])
Read about Yazmin Gil's why and how "Bilingualism is an Asset"
![Image of Ahmad Tirhi]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1622816931/psesdorg/uvvkzx94wrrmmnizonbz/QAwithAhmadTirhi.jpg","width":2200}])
Read about Ahmad Tirhi's story in pursuing teaching as a career.
![Image of Ahmad Tirhi, 8th grade history teacher at Sacajawea Middle School in Federal Way]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1618521162/psesdorg/lh34p7dizndt0yj4iwff/AhmadTirhi.jpg","width":1999}])
Ahmad Tirhi grew up in Federal Way, the son of immigrants, proud of his Palestinian heritage, fluent in Arabic. He never had any teachers who looked like him until college.