From Occupational Therapy to the Classroom: Genna Delsemme’s Inspiring Journey into Teaching


| by Alex Skov

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Some people take the traditional route to becoming a teacher. Genna Delsemme’s path to a career in education was far from conventional. A former occupational therapist and mother of three, Delsemme’s journey shows how important passion, adaptability, and the right support system are when changing careers. 

At the time of her interview, Delsemme had recently completed the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program and was feeling reflective about her past and inspired by the opportunities in her future. 

A Career Rooted in Helping Others 

Before stepping into the world of professional education, Delsemme led a successful career as an occupational therapist in South Africa, working at one of the country’s top schools for disabled students and later establishing her own private practice. This work gave her firsthand experience creating personalized strategies to support children’s development. 

Delsemme paused her career to move — first to the Congo, then to her current home in Zambia — and to start a family. In Zambia, it proved difficult to register as an occupational therapist, leading Delsemme to begin networking and seeking other potential job opportunities. 

“I was advised by the head of the American International School here to get my teaching certification as a next step,” Delsemme said, “and it was actually such a great piece of advice.” 

Already equipped with a deep understanding of how children learn and thrive in school settings, Delsemme found her underlying interest in education coming back into view — especially when she considered her existing connections to the teaching community. 

“I come from a family of educators. My parents ran private schools in South Africa for over 30 years, and all my cousins are teachers,” Delsemme said. “I took a different career path and went into the medical field, and [now] I find myself being pulled back to education.” 

Like many teachers before her, Delsemme noted the appeal of the “broader possibility of having a huge impact” on students’ lives as a major factor in her decision to pursue a new career in teaching. 

The advice Delsemme received about getting her teacher certification also came with a recommendation: Look into Moreland University.

Finding the Perfect Fit with Moreland University’s Teacher Certification Program 

Delsemme started researching the TEACH-NOW program shortly after her conversation with the American International School leader.  

“I loved the [Moreland] philosophy and approach,” Delsemme said. 

As a mother of three, Delsemme also appreciated that the program could be completed in just 9 months. Considering the relatively short time it would take to complete, she felt confident that TEACH-NOW was the right program for her, and that adding a teacher certification to her existing credentials — an occupational therapy degree and a master’s with specialty in pediatric sensory integration — would give her a unique set of skills to take into the classroom.

Bridging Two Passions: Occupational Therapy and Teaching 

Through Moreland’s program, Delsemme discovered a natural overlap between her occupational therapy background and the principles of effective teaching. She was particularly excited about the curriculum’s focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a teaching framework that focuses on creating inclusive classrooms where every student can succeed — which is exactly what Delsemme did as an educational therapist. 

The program’s content also stood out to Delsemme, highlighting new research to keep candidates up-to-date with the latest practices and preparing them for success in the classroom. In particular, Delsemme noted that instructors provided their classes with “high-quality, incredible resources” and reading materials throughout the program so that she and her peers did not have to spend valuable time tracking down external sources when that time could be spent absorbing knowledge and learning practical skills instead. 

This spirit is something that Delsemme can see being present in the classes she leads, too. 

“We used everything we learned,” she said. “I think that is the thing that [Moreland] trains you in is just to allow your students to have choice in learning, to drive their own learning journey and to take responsibility, and to not take center stage…as a teacher.” 

“Clinical practice is something that I was blown away by.” 

During Delsemme’s 12-week clinical learning experience at the American International School in Zambia, she gained invaluable insights into classroom management, targeted assessments, and building a positive classroom environment. When she finished the immersive student teaching module, she knew she had significantly leveled up her practical and instructional knowledge. 

“I didn’t realize I would learn that much in three months and experience that [kind of] growth!” Delsemme said. “And I think that is really thanks to my mentor [Will Caspers] and the feedback he gave me.” 

As a very organized person, she had already spent hours researching and planning units before the student teaching section of her program began. This helped Delsemme feel ready to step in and create a positive classroom environment for students with unique learning needs. 

“I loved allowing each child to feel valued, and [considering] what does determination look like in the classroom, and having a growth mindset?” Delsemme said. “What Moreland was very good at was explaining how we’ve got to use targeted, specific praise to get children to where we want to [academically].” 

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth 

Like any career change, Delsemme has encountered some challenges along the way. She notes, for example, that it took some adjusting to a new teaching environment and adapting her natural approach with effective group management. 

“What was tricky and challenging for me was routines and procedures, because I’m a very relaxed, more gentle-natured person, whereas my mentor was more strict,” Delsemme said. “Moreland had focused on that and now I see the benefit of it and I’m so grateful that I had someone like him because he has set me up for success and just allowed me to see how I can optimize the learning environment.”

Looking Ahead with Confidence 

Delsemme’s story is as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new career. Her dedication, resilience, and the support she received from her mentors and instructors at Moreland have equipped her with the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and beyond.  

Whether you’re looking to transition into teaching like Delsemme or you want to enhance your existing teaching credentials with an advanced degree, Moreland’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Certificate Preparation Program and master’s degree programs can help you achieve your unique goals. Apply today at no cost to start your teaching journey and turn your passion for education into a fulfilling career — no matter where in the world it takes you. 

For more insights on changing careers and becoming a teacher, check out our complimentary resource, A Career Changer’s Guide to Becoming a Teacher

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