2022 JET College Graduates Spotlight

As schools strive to fill in the gaps of teacher diversity and shortages while ensuring quality teachers, we are excited to see more JET Scholars reach important milestones in their journey to become licensed teachers. Through JET, the possibility of teaching in a classroom becomes a reality. We would like to recognize our nine recent JET college graduates, one from Lowell Community Charter Public School, four from New Bedford, and four from Boston, from the past year and congratulate them on their successful journey in earning their Bachelor’s degree between May and December 2022.

Read on to hear more about two of these graduates, Paula Correia, who graduated from UMass Dartmouth, and Stephanie Kirby, who graduated from Lesley University, both working in New Bedford School District, who shared reflections on their experience with JET.

For Paula, participating in JET was an opportunity to pursue something that she is genuinely passionate about: teaching. 

“I chose to participate in  JET because it offered me an opportunity to pursue something that I have wanted to do since I was young. When I was approached and asked if I would consider it, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it,” said Paula Correia.

For Stephanie, JET was the perfect program for steering paraprofessionals into their current career paths by providing many transitional supports that would lead them to their full-time career as a classroom teacher.

“JET was recommended to me by a colleague. The informational session I attended further drove my interest in transitioning from an educational support professional to a full time ESL teacher. The session explained about financial assistance and that the program would include access to a mentor assigned to me. The JET program has proven to be beneficial in my transition,” said Stephanie Kirby.

Stephanie shares a highlight of meeting with her mentor, Stacey A. Martin, for the first time in-person, with whom she recounts many positive experiences. Stephanie describes her mentor as extremely helpful, and knowledgeable as she assisted her with license applications, forms, and provided consistent support whenever she needed it.

These scholars come from diverse backgrounds and have their own unique stories that inspired them to start this journey. For example, Paula identifies as the first in her family to have earned a college degree, which is an outstanding accomplishment. Of course, the journey to achieve this accomplishment comes with challenges. However, these resilient scholars shared the support they received that motivated them to continue achieving their goals. Paula gave a shout out to various people who were important to her in this part of her journey:

“I would like to give a shoutout to my husband and children, for their support and help during this process. It wasn't always easy but I had them to constantly encourage me to not to give up. I would also like to give a shoutout to many co-workers/friends that have also taken time to help me study on some occasions and help out with any questions or doubts that have come up. I had a village to lean on and for that I am so grateful,”  Paula Correia

Paula and Stephanie are both interested in teaching in elementary grades 3rd or 4th and also would consider ESL teaching in the future. We wish them the best of luck as they finish the final steps in obtaining teacher licensure and starting roles as lead classroom teachers!