Juan Alvarado is wrapping up his first year of teaching in Fairfield County and living in the newly developed Fairfield Teacher Village. The year has brought the excitement and challenges that all first-year educators face. As the inaugural resident in the College of Education Educator-in-Residence home, Alvarado built a strong foundation with fellow community members.
“This first year of teaching has been a roller coaster,” says Alvarado. “I think that most first-year educators would use that description. I went into the school year knowing I needed to develop my skills. The most difficult subject for me was English and Language Arts because of the breadth of information that I needed to cover. I received support from my administration and teaching coaches, and my year began to take off.”
Alvarado credits his success to connecting with the right people. He shares that he recognizes major growth from the beginning of the year to now. He was paired with a mentor that guided him in the right direction as well.
One of the biggest takeaways he has seen from his first year in Fairfield County is the number of students who are attending the same school that their parents attended. The generational support for the school is exciting.
“My students come from generations that attended this elementary school,” says Alvarado. “Even my third-grade teaching partner taught some of my students’ parents or even grandparents. It is incredible to work with a veteran teacher with that experience. I love to see the family support in my classroom because of the long branches we have in the community.”
Alvarado was able to participate in professional development with the support of his principal. He joined a coalition of educators who met with a team at the district office. He felt honored to be asked to participate because everyone else was a veteran educator.
He shares that he has developed a deep community within the Fairfield Teacher Village. They share meals together and have enjoyed getting to know one another.
“It plays a big role in your mental health,” says Alvarado. “I am able to come home and relax with my friends, and they understand what my day has been like.”
The biggest life change for Alvarado happened in December when he got married. He attributes the ability to embrace his new season of life because of the support he received in the Teacher Village.
“Not only have I learned how to be a better educator, but I am growing as a husband because of the great relationships I have formed in the Teacher Village,” says Alvarado.
Alvarado shares that his biggest lesson in his first year has been learning to ask for help. Initially, he did not want to bother his fellow educators with asking for assistance. However, when fellow teachers stepped in, he grew in his practice.
“Reach out to people in your school,” says Alvarado. “It is easy to think you must do everything on your own. You never know who could be there to help you. You may be shy or think you will get criticized, but asking for tips and advice will help you grow.”
The College of Education looks forward to sharing more about this innovative living environment when the next Educator-in-Residence moves in this fall.