Andrea Juarez-Gutierrez: CNM

"We've decided not to renew your contract." He said with a straight face. 

I laughed, knowing he was joking. "That's a good one." I said, smiling. I sat in the chair and took up the pen to sign my contact. Looking up, I noticed, he wasn't smiling back. 

"Are you serious?" I asked incredulously. 

He said, "We don't think you are a good fit. We believe you are dividing the school." 

I couldn't believe it!—And then again,—I could. 

I was a well-respected educator having obtained an alternative teaching license. I had a passion for Dual Language Education and, as every teacher does, I gave everything I had and more to my students and colleagues. I had been the "go to" long-term sub, which was a big factor in my permanent hire. I successfully transitioned during the tumultuous time of Covid from in person, to online, back to in person-hybrid. I was engaged and invested. 

But still, I was new to the team who had founded the charter school. And, in response to a recent request for feedback so they could make positive changes for the upcoming school year, I was forthcoming with several areas I saw needing improvement. I had spoken with other faculty about their concerns, which were similar, and we were organizing a meeting to bring these concerns to the leadership team. As a team player, I had every intention of working with others to address the concerns and better the school. But I never got there. Clearly, perceiving a threat, I was eliminated, rather than appreciated. 

At the time, I felt betrayed. I thought I was treated unjustly. I was angry. But I had no intention of fighting to be included in a place where I was not wanted. So, I had to move on. 

So, I did what we all do. I pulled out the ol' resume, dusted it off, gave it an update, and started searching Indeed. Looking for a break from teaching, I found some openings at CNM, one of which was for an Adult Basic Education Achievement Coach. I applied. I interviewed. And I got the job. Little did I know it would be exactly what I needed, and one of the most meaningful positions of my life. 

It turns out, there are a lot of similarities between teaching 4th grade Dual Language and Coaching ESL and HSE students in Adult Education. I continued to speak, read, and write in Spanish and English throughout my days. Now, instead of advising and supporting 10-year-olds, I was advising and supporting their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I was still educating; I was still guiding others in reaching their academic and career goals. And I knew that by doing this, I was still helping some 10-year-old out there, who would have an incredible role model in watching someone they knew and loved study, pass high school, learn English, and get a job. 

And much like teaching, somewhere among the collection of data on NRS participants, MSG and EFL learning gains, federal performance outcomes, credential attainment, employment, and earnings—-there is something the numbers won't tell. The impact that the students have on YOU. 

Because in one of those 16 daily appointments someone is going to connect to you in a way you never knew possible. You are going learn more listening to their "life persistence" then you could learn in 10 workshops about "student success and persistence." 

Because one day, you'll pick up the phone, and you'll hear the ecstatic voice of a student who has passed the GED exam and is now ready to take their next big step in life, and they are thanking you for getting them there. 

Because buried in your email inbox, is a sincere thanks from someone who has secured a job because of the connections and resources you provided.

In the end, you matter, only because THEY matter. A sweet symbiosis is created. And one busy day, you realize, even though you are past the 8 hours, even though you may have to work the weekend...this is the place you belong. These are your people. This is your charge. This is your blessing. This is your gift. 

And...that is how I got into Adult Education. That is how I fell in love with Adult Education.

While I am no longer an ABE Achievement Coach, I am still an advocate, still visiting, still connecting, still thinking about my people.

I'm glad I got canned that day. It might have hurt then. But now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've not only been introduced to a wonderful, new field of education, but I've also been introduced to a wonderful college, in CNM and the incredible group of faculty and staff here. I'm really lucky. Really, really lucky. Fingers crossed; it'll hold.