Montgomery College Educators Rising (MCER)

Biography

Diana Ayala is a returning first-year student at Montgomery College, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is particularly passionate about improving cultural inclusiveness and reaching groups that are generally overseen and under-represented. As a first-generation Hispanic American student, she endured hardships that weighed heavily on her and ultimately led to her discontinuing her college education. Over the years that she was out of school, she accepted a position as a teacher’s assistant where she was able to co-teach and create curriculum-based lessons for primary school aged students. It was during that time she attained a newly found passion for teaching and education, which sparked in her the courage and determination to pursue her studies as an elementary school educator. She has garnered the support of her professors to seek the opportunity to be part of the Educator’s Rising Montgomery College Chapter. Diana’s continual strive for success in her career is dedicated to the family, friends, and professors who have remained by her side through it all as she hopes to do one day the same for her future students and families.

Biography

Hello, my name is Jamyla Castillo. I was born here in the US but raised in Maryland my whole life. From the very beginning I never really knew what I wanted to do but I knew it had to be working with children.
Throughout the years I would have to say one of my biggest inspirations would be my teacher from high school. I got to see how much she dedicated her time with all her students and how she would go the extra mile. Coming from two immigrant parents I had the pressure to become something that they wanted me to major. Over the years, I realize that sometimes I have to choose my own path even though it does not make others happy, and I finally realized that being a teacher was my true calling. and I didn’t realize back then, but I had to think my teacher, Ms. L, for being that inspiration and an illuminating the way for me. I am currently majoring in elementary education, special education. Outside of school my hobbies are spending time with my family. I really enjoy cooking a lot for my loved ones. Most of all I like being a great influence on my little sister. Me and my sister are 15 years apart. I only have one sibling and she is someone I learn a lot from.

Biography

My name is Wendy Huff. I have been in the teaching industry for over thirty years, but am on a new journey to complete my Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education / Special Education. I am currently a para-educator at Wayside Elementary School, working in the School Community Based Program, with third through fifth graders. I have been teaching dance for over thirty years, and am a member of Dance Masters of America. In addition, I have been working as youth minister for over a decade, and this is my eighth year working at Trinity UMC in Frederick. I earned my Youth Ministry and Theology Certification through Princeton Theological Seminary. As an adult learner, I am excited about the possibilities ahead.

Biography

My name is Chudney Joyner, I am a paraeducator in the autism program for Montgomery County Public Schools. I have a bachelor's degree in physical education and am currently continuing my education at Montgomery College to obtain my teacher's certification. As a paraeducator and MC student, I have learned innovating teaching strategies and approaches to not only help my students succeed academically, but also to flourish socially and emotionally. The few years I have worked in the elementary autism program has led me to pursue a career in teaching students with special needs. Making a difference in the lives of young learners has been one of my greatest accomplishments.

What Education Means To Me

To me, teaching is a calling where I can be passionate about teaching knowledge, skills and values to the future generation. I see it as a meaningful role in the world.

Biography

Hi my name is Maryam Khan. I am a Pakistani Muslim woman and am 18 years old. I graduated from high school in 2023 with several awards including, The Board of Trustees Scholarship, Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science, Meritorious award, and The Seal of Biliteracy. I have a variety of hobbies such as, watching K-Dramas and Pakistani dramas, baking, watching beauty videos, and taking care of my skin. Since, I was a child I've always dreamed of becoming a teacher, and know I can feel that dream coming true. Teachers educate future scientists, lawyers, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and so much more.

What Education Means to Me

I would classify myself as a life-long learner.  Education has always been an important pursuit in my life. 

Biography

Hello. My name is Janet McPhillips.  I am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Alternative Certification Program (ECACP) at Montgomery College.  This has been a wonderful way for me to achieve earning a teaching certificate.

Biography

I am a 19-year-old woman from Maryland. Teaching had been my passion since I was 10 when I read books to my little brother. In my spare time, I spend time with my family and share memories with them. I love to watch movies while I paint or make crafts. When I graduate from university or college, I want to become an elementary school teacher (K-5).

Biography

I am a the first in my family to attend college in the United States. I emigrated from Peru when I was 14 years old. God gave me two amazing parents that sacrificed a lot in order for my sister and I to be able to receive a better life quality, and a better education. This is my 2nd semester as a Secondary Spanish Education major, and soon in Spring I will achieve my second associates degree. I am currently working a substitute teacher for MCPS, I am in love with my job and very grateful for the opportunity of gaining experience in the education system.

Biography

I was born and raised in Montgomery County, and I grew up in a low-come household with a single parent and five other siblings. I soon became a single parent raising a seven-year-old son in an income-restricted home and furthered my education at Montgomery College which I plan to graduate with an associate in business administration, economics. I plan to continue my education with a bachelor's at University of Maryland, but I am still weighting my options. I am employed at Bright Horizons currently for about 2 years. However, I have worked in my professional career for the past nine years as a CDA school-age teacher and youth development lead teacher with recreational centers and other after-school organizations. My favorite core subject is mathematics and I have gain experience interning at MCPS at a middle school. I have worked for MCPS temporarily during the school year as a support staff for elementary and middle school.

Biography

I am Ameeta Shilpakar. Currently, I am working at Georgetown Hill Early School as a Pre-K Lead Teacher. I have worked with children from Infant through age 5 for more than a decade. I am working on teacher certification through Early Childhood Alternative Certification Program. For this purpose, I am taking classes in Montgomery College.

Biography

I am Laura Andrea Vargas Munoz, an international student who grew up in Bolivia and transferred to MC some semesters ago. Throughout my years of study, I encountered teachers and professors who had a big impact on me and my career aspirations. It was a year after I started studying engineering that I realized I would like to have the same impact on future generations. That is why my goal is to one day guide future generations and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams, just as my professors did for me.

Biography

Courtney Williams is a CNA, a full-time caregiver to her disabled sister, a mom of one, and a full-time student at Montgomery College seeking a degree in Elementary Education/Special education. With this degree and being inspired by her sister, she plans on opening a medical pediatric and adult daycare center. A center dedicated to providing parents with medical and therapeutic care for their special needs child in an environment where children can grow, thrive, and be accepted for their uniqueness.