In this special live recording from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) conference, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley sit down with students from the Career Tech High School (CTHS) Education Pathway. Following their poster presentation, these students discuss their practical experiences in the field and their motivations for entering the teaching profession.

Student Perspectives:* Tayleaha Pollock & Marlie Saxton: On the importance of patience, building relationships, and managing early childhood emotions. * Charlotte Seals & Emily Burke: Reflections on the workload of an educator and the preparation required for success in Educators Rising competitions. * Rebecca Winsor: The process of earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and pursuing a path in counseling. * Evie Palmer: Learning through observation of various teaching styles and classroom environments. * Crystal Vargas: Strategies for connecting with Spanish-speaking students and an interest in Special Education and behavior tech roles.

The episode concludes with a look at the value of paraprofessional placements and the various pathways available to the next generation of Utah educators.

00:00 Welcome to UCET Live

00:47 Meet Tayleaha Future Teacher

02:10 Marlie on Patience and Community

03:42 Charlotte Shadows a Coach

05:54 Emily on Why Teach

08:08 Becca Preschool and Counseling Goals

10:09 Evie Turning Struggles into Purpose

12:27 Crystal Behavior Support Calling

14:30 Conference Wrap and Thanks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Students from CareerTech High School Education Pathway
  • Tayleaha Pollock — 10th Grade — Undecided
  • Marlie Saxton — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Charlotte Seals — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Emily Birck — 12th Grade — Elementary
  • Rebecca Winsor — 11th Grade — Secondary (undecided content)
  • Evie Palmer — 11th Grade — Elementary/Secondary
  • Crystal Vargas — 12th Grade — Elementary SPED

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Career Tech High School - https://cths.washk12.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

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Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 ACTE Region V Teacher of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.