Future Teacher in Action: Dallas College Student Gets Hands-On Learning

Introducing our first guest post in our new blog series: Catch Up & Read Conversations. Stay tuned for more amazing stories!

Paulina Diaz is currently pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Education as a junior at Dallas College. Catch Up & Read proudly partners with Dallas College to offer rewarding volunteer practicum opportunities for aspiring teachers like Paulina. These include working directly with students in the Catch Up & Read program, giving them the hands-on practice needed to become successful educators.

Between juggling her online classes and testing students for Catch Up & Read, Paulina has offered to share her personal experiences as a Dallas College student and Catch Up & Read volunteer.

Dallas College student Paulina Diaz works one-on-one with Catch Up & Read student to assess reading proficiency. Volunteering time to test students helps deepen her literacy know-how before embarking on her career in teaching.

Q1. Could you share what drives your passion for pursuing a career in teaching? What motivates you to become a teacher?

My passion for pursuing a career in teaching is heavily influenced by my mom, who devoted 13 years to teaching preschool at Herbert Marcus Elementary. Through my mom, I witnessed firsthand the joy of seeing children learn, explore their curiosity, and build compassion. My mom serves as my ultimate inspiration because her dedication positively influenced  many generations of students. Her love for teaching instilled in me a profound respect and admiration for teaching as a career. I am motivated by her example and I will follow in her footsteps to hopefully make a meaningful difference in the lives of my future students.

Q2. How did you first come across Catch Up & Read, and could you describe your journey and experience with the program? (Your mom was a former Catch Up & Read teacher! Can you talk about that briefly, too?)

I was looking for volunteer opportunities to fulfill hours for my teaching classes’ requirements. I wanted to get a more hands-on experience other than visiting my mom‘s preschool classroom. I checked my email and discovered Catch Up & Read (CAR) had openings for bilingual reading fluency test examiners and promptly signed up. During my first session for beginning of the year (BOY) testing, I really enjoyed it. It wasn't until that morning, as I prepared to head into Foster Elementary, that I texted my mom, only to learn that she had been a CAR teacher in the past. Hearing her talk about her positive experiences with the CAR program reaffirmed my decision to be a part of it.

Q3. What aspects of Catch Up & Read have kept you engaged and committed?

The people involved with CAR, both staff and students, are what truly kept me engaged in the program. Everyone was very welcoming when I first joined last August, providing thorough explanations of how I would be administering the exams. I love the encouraging atmosphere of the program and gaining hands-on experience with children was very helpful to me. I also had the opportunity to observe one of the CAR Literacy Coaches, Rachel, and how she tackles classroom management, which helped me learn tips and skills that I’ll use in the future. I remember one moment when I implemented one of Rachel’s strategies, which successfully brought a student’s attention back to her test. Rachel commented on it, and that made me feel very happy. Working closely with Catch Up & Read students and teachers has greatly enriched my experience as someone preparing to be a teacher in the future.

Q4. When you envision yourself as a teacher, how do you want to make a significant impact?

When I envision myself as a teacher, I wish to make a positive impact on the development of my students. I want to foster a love for learning and curiosity in my students, inviting them to explore and think critically about the world around them. I aspire to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. I will work tirelessly to nurture essential life skills such as cooperation, empathy, and resilience so they can thrive in society. Above all, I want to inspire my students, pushing them to pursue their passions and make contributions to the community, just as I strive to do.

Q5. Reflecting on your time at Dallas College, how has your experience there influenced your perspectives as someone preparing for a career in education?

I really have enjoyed the past two and a half years at Dallas College—it’s incredibly welcoming, and the professors are all highly educated and supportive. I feel like my experience at Dallas College has significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in education; I aspire to embody the teaching qualities of the professors I’ve encountered over the last few semesters. Dallas College has left a lasting impression on me as I prepare for this path, thanks to its inviting atmosphere and the unwavering support from professors. Their dedication and commitment to the success of students is inspiring, and so is their ability in creating engaging learning environments despite the barriers of online classes. I am motivated to follow their example as I embark on my own journey in education. I also value the diverse community at Dallas College, which has deepened my understanding of the importance of inclusivity In the classroom. My time here at Dallas College makes me believe I have great potential in my future career as an educator, where I can empower students and better serve the community.