‘Go For It’: Georgia Teacher Finds Career Growth in Education
| by Hannah Sparling
It’s safe to say Binoli Patel had a lot on her plate while working to earn her professional Georgia teacher certification. She was searching for a stable job and working with her husband to build their savings and settle their lives. Then, her husband ended up in the hospital.
But Patel kept working and kept pushing.
And this May, she’ll graduate from Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. If she could give any advice to another teacher working to earn their certification, maybe someone who is struggling with the workload or balancing other responsibilities, it would be this: “Go for it.”
“The program is a lot,” she said. “But if you have the right attitude and you’re willing to do [the work]… If you want to be a teacher, go for it.”
From Graphic Design to Teaching
Patel initially thought she’d be a graphic designer, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in art from Georgia State University. But the job market for graphic design was difficult, which led her to substitute teaching.
She started subbing in 2018, landing multiple long-term sub jobs in Georgia, mostly in special-education classrooms.
She looked at a few different programs to earn her professional certification, but she struggled to find the support and flexibility she needed. Then, someone told her about Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, and she decided to apply.
She appreciates the detailed feedback she gets on her assignments, she said, and TEACH-NOW has helped her relationship-building skills with her students as well. She’s gotten better at lesson planning and making sure her students get the differentiation they need.
Patel has already recommended the program to other teachers.
“You should look into Moreland University,” she tells them, “because you’re able to choose your own schedule. They’re flexible, they give you assignments aligned to what you do in the classroom, and they’re understanding. It’s an all-in-one package.”
Building Connections and a Career
Patel is currently working as a substitute special-education teacher for Monroe County Schools. She’s working with elementary age students, and her days are full but fulfilling.
At first, she started subbing just because she was looking for a stable job. But now, she’s looking forward to growing her career as an educator. She plans on earning her master’s degree through Moreland University, and she could see herself one day becoming a school administrator, perhaps a principal.
For her, the best part of teaching is supporting her students and helping them grow. When students hit their goals, she loves seeing their smiles. If they’re struggling or off track, she likes figuring out how to help.
“And you get to build that connection, too,” she said.
She thinks of all the students she’s been able to teach so far throughout her career. Some of those families are still in contact with her, giving her regular updates on their lives. One student recently sent a note, thanking Patel for her support and teaching.
Patel has put in a lot of hard work to get where she is, and she knows there’s a lot of hard work yet to come. But a message like that makes it all worthwhile.
Earn your professional teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates. You also have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months.
Our free application only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you typically hear back within 2 business days.
