Hannah Devine’s desire to have the most impact on young lives has led her to pursue a new career through an alternative means.
Devine has a bachelor’s and master's degree in social work and has worked several years in a school based therapy setting. But, she wanted to have a deeper impact on the children so she has become a teacher through the Option 6 program. This allows holders of bachelor’s degrees to pursue a teaching degree while working as a teacher.
“I thought I could have more impact in the classroom,” she said. “Every day I get to see students grow in some fashion.”
Social work, Devine said, is very complimentary to education. She has used her skills and knowledge to improve the social-emotional wellbeing of her students. She is currently in her second year teaching first grade at Kathryn Winn Primary School. She also worked as an instructional assistant for one year before switching careers.
“I just love it,” she said, noting she will finish her education degree this summer.
After getting admitted into the Option 6 program at a university, a temporary provisional certificate is issued to allow you to teach while completing the coursework. The temporary provisional certification can be renewed two additional years, allowing you three years to complete the program to become a fully certified educator.
Devine has also worked as a high school basketball coach and operated a summer program called Camp Impact for children in kindergarten through fifth grades.
“Having all these experiences have helped me understand kids,” she said. “I really love it. I think this is where I was meant to be.”
Kathryn Winn Principal Donna Monroe praised Devine. “Hannah comes with a wealth of experience tied to her degree in social work, which made an easy transition into teaching. The Option 6 program is a great way for people to make a career change while not losing out on income. It allows you to work and go to school at the same time,” Monroe said.
Devine said she would definitely recommend Option 6 to any person who is considering switching careers. “If your heart is into it, then that’s the way you need to go.”
Interested parties should apply to a college and will take an entry level praxis test. Classes are eight weeks long and two more praxis tests are required. Students are assigned a mentor from the college and the district. They are also observed four times a semester by their mentors and given feedback. Option 6 candidates do not have to go through student teaching because they are already in the classroom while simultaneously pursuing an education degree.
“We have gained many great teachers through the Option 6 certification route and anyone who holds a minimum of a Bachelor's degree can pursue a teaching certification,” said Assistant Superintendent Jonica Ray. “As her former fourth grade teacher, I am proud of Hannah for recognizing what a difference she could make teaching in our school system. We are lucky to have her in the classroom with our young students.”
Carroll County currently has nine teachers enrolled in an Option 6 program.
If you have a bachelor's degree and might be interested in pursuing a teaching certification, contact any university to inquire about their enrollment requirements. Once enrolled, you could be hired in a teaching position and begin your coursework toward full certification. If you have further questions, contact Jonica Ray at jonica.ray@carroll.kyschools.us or 502-732-7070.
