A year and a half ago I happily joined Playworks as an AmeriCorps member, serving full time in a San Jose school. This is my dream job, I thought. I got to be outside and active every day while making a difference in my community. I’d thought about working in schools before, and this was the perfect chance for me to test the waters. My year of service reaffirmed my desire to work in schools. So when I was offered the opportunity to serve a second year, I did not question returning.
Back on the playground, I was happy, but also started evaluating my personal and professional goals. I asked myself where do I go from here? Like many nonprofits, I knew there were limited positions to move up within Playworks unless I was looking to relocate. I love my community and knew I was not ready to leave.
Luckily for me, a couple months into the year, I got an invitation to join a pilot group of Playworks employees and AmeriCorps members like myself to earn a Masters in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through an online program called Teach Now. I was all in and so excited to be working towards the next step in my life.
Since starting the full-time Masters program in January, it’s been an adjustment learning to balance 40+ hours of Playworks and 15+ of Teach Now every week. Bringing 200% of energy everyday has been a challenge when you pile on my own school work. For the masters, I must read several online articles, learn new computer programs, complete online assignments and attend weekly cohort meetings. I know it’s worth it though. Our Playworks program managers help by adjusting our weekly schedule so we can fit everything in and meet deadlines. And the other coaches in our regions are always there to give us a “whoosh clap” for our hard work. Our Teach Now cohort has had great support and cheerleaders as we all go through the program. I couldn’t be getting this Masters at a better time.
Many assignments require observations, teacher interviews and practicing with students. As a Playworks coach, we have a lot of opportunities to do these things in our very own school. And the teachers are very open to sharing their time and resources since they know how much we give back to the kids. This week, I taught a module during my Junior Coaches Leadership Program, taking what I have learned in the program and using it with my students.
The Teach Now Master’s program has been the best way to advance my education beyond service, and being a part of an organization that supports furthering my education is amazing. I am learning so much by doing in this program, and I feel I will be a much better teacher because of my experience with Playworks.
Jaclyn O’Brien is second year AmeriCorps Member and Playworks program coordinator at Stipe Elementary in South San Jose. On the playground, she loves to play handball and kickball. Beyond the playground, you can find Jaclyn cycling, kayaking, water skiing, white-water rafting, hiking, softball or learning new sports!
