Behind the Desk of a Teaching Minor

Cierra Cadena is a Sociology major from San Antonio, TX with Teaching and Spanish minors. Throughout her college career, she has been involved in a plethora of activities both on and off campus. She is a mentor for First Generation Investors and currently works for the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions. She also enjoys sports, playing club sports on campus and is even an assistant coach for KIPP UPrep's girl's varsity basketball team. She is graduating this semester and plans to teach emerging bilingual students at the middle school level. We sat down with her to discuss her experiences as a minor in Teaching.

Q: Why did you decide to minor in teaching?
A: I decided to minor in Teaching because I have always had a passion for helping others. Even as a student in middle school and high school, I enjoyed working with other students to help them understand what we were learning. As a high schooler, I had the opportunity to tutor middle school students in their math and reading classes. Throughout college, I have both worked and volunteered at a variety of schools to help students as well. It seems like I just can't get out of the classroom!

Q: What have your experiences been like in the program? 
A: I feel like I have learned a lot throughout my time completing the Teaching minor at Trinity. Although I have been working in school settings before joining, I was able to read literature about the strategies and pedagogies I saw teachers implementing in their classrooms, which has helped me understand its importance and value. Because of the program, I am equipped with many different resources and strategies that I can implement during my time working with students. I also receive support and advice from teachers and mentors.

Q: What environment do you strive to create in your classroom?
A: I strive to create a welcoming classroom for all of my students. I want to get to know my students personally and understand each student's unique learning preferences so I can implement them into my class and lessons. I want students to feel excited to come to class each day because they know that I am there to support and help them grow into smarter students and amazing people.

Q: What has been your favorite class? 
A: I really liked the elective education course I took with Professor Aleman on Critical Race Theory in Education. I also have enjoyed the practicum classes--specifically working with students at the high school and middle school levels.

Q: Who is your favorite education professor and why?
A: Although I only had Professor Aleman for the elective education course, I feel like what he taught us are things that are foundational to our understanding of the public education system. Because of his course, I have become incredibly more interested in pursuing a masters degree in education.

Q: What are your future plans? Does education fit into that? 
A: Eventually, I would like to receive a masters degree in Education Policy with a focus on creating curriculum. However, until then, I would like to work as a teacher.

Q: What are you involved with on campus?
A: I am only involved in club sports on campus, but off campus, I currently work for the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions. I am a mentor for First Generation Investors (I tutor students attending SAISD schools), and I am an assistant coach for KIPP UPrep's girl's varsity basketball team.

Q: Do you have any advice for anyone considering a minor in teaching?
A: Do things that you are passionate about! I am passionate about helping students and teaching, which is why I pursued the minor. I have enjoyed college so much more because I am in classes that I deeply enjoy.