Asya Kerr, an integrated PK–3 early childhood education major, with a concentration in special education, at Mitchell College, in Connecticut
At first, I was scared to follow my passion. I tried to convince myself that careers other than teaching were for me, but it just didn’t feel right. There was something about being in a classroom with kids that just drew me in and filled me with joy that I honestly can’t explain.
At 32, I am a bit older than most of the students I go to school with. As a wife and mother, navigating my educational journey while raising a child presented its own set of challenges, not the least of which was financial. As a student teacher, I wasn’t getting paid, which meant covering the costs of gas, supplies, and tuition. My son even came to college classes with me between the ages of 7 and 9, because I did not have reliable child care. I thankfully had professors who supported my dream of becoming a teacher and allowed him to attend, when needed.
Student teachers are doing the work without the pay they deserve. It is important to me that student teachers receive compensation to help bring more educators into the profession. I’ve spoken up about this in my state, testifying before state legislators in support of paid student teaching. But I didn’t know how to do any of this until I joined NEA Aspiring Educators (AE).
When I first became a member of my campus chapter, I had no idea how it would change my life. Over the next three years, I held campus and national leadership roles and represented AE at statewide meetings, conferences, and even NEA’s National Leadership Summit. I used to be shy, but having the union’s support has given me confidence and a community that stands up and speaks out together.
What I love most about being a member of AE and my state union, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), is that I never feel alone. Whether I am fighting for policy changes, planning an event, or just want someone to talk to, I know my union family has my back. CEA cares about our profession, well-being, and future.
As a Black educator, representation as a teacher is essential to me. I hope to make fundamental changes in the classroom for the kids around me who don’t see themselves represented in school. I don’t just want to make public education better for myself, but for other Aspiring Educators as well.
It's time to pay student teachers
For years, unpaid internships were seen as a traditional step toward a career for college students. Over time, most professions have recognized the value of paid work and introduced compensation. Teaching, however, has lagged behind. It's time to change that and build a better, more equitable path into the profession. Watch Aspiring Educator Zachary Sheriff from Texas speak more about paid student teaching.
