Excerpts from an Interview with Mr. Kenneth Maldonado
Kenneth on the Importance of Education
"When I graduated college, I worked at a non-profit for two years as a case manager. And during that time a lot of the people I worked with were homeless, and people who were on the brink of homelessness with families. And I felt that a lot of the underlying problem they were dealing with were related to a lack of education. And I feel like I have been away from the classroom for such a long time, like I worked my junior and senior years as a TA and what not, but I missed the classroom. And I was like 'I need to go back,' so that’s why I decided to teach."
"Teaching is the Hardest Job..."
"Teaching is the hardest job. One of the hardest jobs in the world. I think when I first thought about it being a possibility, I never would’ve imagined how hard it would be but at the same time, the relationships that I have developed with students is life changing...They’re going to remember me forever and to have that every year is like, 'What?!' I think it solidifies for me that this is the right thing; I’m in the right field. My core values have changed the world one person at a time or helped the world, and I think teaching definitely aligns perfectly with that. The work is worth it."
Kenneth on Participating in the UACT Program
"Like I just been so impressed at how well thought out the program has been and how tailored it has been to us, like I feel just like lucky to be in this position. Megan and Katie are just so great. And it seems like everyone else is so great, they know what we need...
The videos have been awesome, like I love, I love the videos even though I don’t like watching myself, but just like being reflective and like seeing other teachers and seeing their videos and, 'oh that’s a good idea, that’s a good idea.' [During training], I purposely wanted to record myself, and other teachers were like, “What are you doing? That’s like terrifying.” I’m like, “No, but it’s so good. Please watch my videos, I want to get better at it.” Um, like that’s a huge piece of it, like I just love the technology and how well-just very well thought out of everything. So it’s been a great experience so far."
The videos have been awesome, like I love, I love the videos even though I don’t like watching myself, but just like being reflective and like seeing other teachers and seeing their videos and, 'oh that’s a good idea, that’s a good idea.' [During training], I purposely wanted to record myself, and other teachers were like, “What are you doing? That’s like terrifying.” I’m like, “No, but it’s so good. Please watch my videos, I want to get better at it.” Um, like that’s a huge piece of it, like I just love the technology and how well-just very well thought out of everything. So it’s been a great experience so far."
"If it wasn't for UACT, I probably would have quit by now..."
"If it wasn’t for U-ACT, I probably would have quit by now...I feel like they have definitely given me a base that has been very solid, and I’m really excited to continue with my master’s. There’s no doubt in my mind that that program is just one of the best that I’ve encountered, so it’s been really great."