Introduction by Faith Phillips

The PLNU academic program you are currently enrolled in and where you are in the program (starting, midway, finishing?)

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:39:20 UTC

I am currently wrapping up my Masters in Education program with a teaching credential! I have two more classes in my entire program and this is one of them.

The credentials/certificates that you are working toward.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:39:20 UTC

I just obtained my multiple-subject teaching credential this last Friday! I will also be obtaining an English Language learner certification with my degree.

Your career goals and aspirations, work experience or the grade level, school, and district where you currently teach, intern or are completing your clinical practice, fieldwork, etc.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:39:20 UTC

I am currently applying to become a Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten teacher at a public school! I completed all of my student teaching and fieldwork requirements this May. While waiting for a position, I am nannying for a 19 month old this summer :) I used to be a preschool teacher, one position at PLNU’s campus and another in Rancho Santa Fe.

Please describe what you currently know about your family's cultural and linguistic identities.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:39:20 UTC

Personally, both my father and I are the only Spanish speakers in our family. We both lived in Spain at separate times in our lives, but it is something that has brought us together. As for my cultural identity, I do have the opportunity to obtain Italian citizenship, as my grandparents on my mother’s side are fully Italian. I started learning Italian not that long ago, as it it something that feels special to me. On my father’s side, it is mainly Irish heritage.

What is your favorite thing about your career? Explain.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:44:56 UTC

My favorite thing about my career is the ability to make children feel seen, valued, and heard. My teachers had such an incredible impact on me as a child, and I want to have a similar impact. They made me feel respected and met me with so much grace during the most difficult times in my life.

If you had a choice of a place where you could vacation, where would that be? What attracts you to that place?

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:45:27 UTC

If I had the choice to vacation somewhere, it would be somewhere new, as I have been to 17 countries now! I really want to visit Japan as I am a big fan of Japanese food and culture. I am always down to try something new :)

What is your favorite game or sport? What do you like about it?

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:45:42 UTC

My favorite sport to watch is hockey! I am from Las Vegas, and years ago, we had our own hockey team, our first ever! Because it was so new for us, hockey games were exciting and so fun to watch. I love going to games with my family when I am home! The sport is very faced-paced and entertaining to watch.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Explain.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 07:45:58 UTC

If I could choose to do anything for a day, it would be to try something new or go somewhere new. I enjoy trying new experiences and new foods. I have a list of restaurants that I want to try in northern Southern California, if the question is about local places. If I had the chance to go anywhere, though, for a day, it would be Disneyland Paris! I have always wanted to go and think it would be such an amazing time.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Tell us about it.

faithphillips1_1 — 2025-07-07 22:47:52 UTC

My proudest accomplishment has to be obtaining my teaching credential and now my Master's Degree as a first-generation college student. I have put in almost 700 hours of student teaching and fieldwork observations. I am so proud of myself for sticking with this program even when balancing the homework and workload was incredibly difficult.