Q&A with: Virginia Panish
By Carol Jean Tomoguchi-Perez
March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023
|
In a special Q&A series for our 10th anniversary, the UCI School of Education asked the Master of Arts in Teaching + Credential (MAT) Program's Director of Teacher Education Virginia Panish to reflect on her time at the school, how her work fulfills her and what she looks forward to most upon retirement.
Q: How many years have you worked at the School of Education? A: I’m in my fourteenth year as an employee at the School of Education. I started teaching in the MAT program in the summer of 2009 and was hired as the Single Subject Program Coordinator that fall. I became the Director of Teacher Education in 2013. What different titles and positions have you held over the years? In addition to the positions listed above, I was the Director of the UCI CalTeach program for several years. What has been your favorite position in the School of Education, and why? I have enjoyed being the director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. It is inspiring to work with the passionate and dedicated program coordinators and instructors in this program, and I feel privileged to be able to support their efforts as we work together to improve the program and support pre-service teachers. |
Virginia Panish
|
Can you share memories from your time at the school and of colleagues that have left an impression on you?
There are so many colleagues that have left a positive impression on me, that it is hard for me to just pick one or two. When I started making a list, I came to realize that I was inevitably going to leave someone out. As the director, I am privileged to be able to sit in on many of the classes we offer, and I have many memories of seeing our candidates engaging enthusiastically and joyfully in discussions and activities. In fact, what has really left an impression on me is how all of the instructors and coordinators of this program have managed to foster such wonderful caring communities each year. I think everyone is impacted by the genuine enthusiasm of Jeff Johnston as he engages in a flurry of costume changes or Susan Guilfyole as she organizes a celebratory dinner for bilingual candidates. As I said, my list of inspiring colleagues could go on and on …
What are the most fulfilling aspects of your job as the director of teacher education?
I enjoy working with others to make program improvements. Sometimes this involves working with other UC directors on a shared challenge and other times it involves working with UCI faculty or program coordinators to make improvements. I’m always gratified when we make changes that improve the experience of our candidates.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
My husband and I lived in Verano housing when he was getting his doctorate, and I often walk over to our old neighborhood. I can imagine our three- and six-year old daughters climbing on the play equipment or riding their bikes down the sidewalk. I also love Aldrich park — it is just so beautiful — every time of year something new is blooming.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I really enjoy spending time with my grandsons, who are one- and four-years old. They are so sweet and funny. In fact, one of the reasons I’m retiring this year is to spend more time with them. The four-year old, Miles, will be going to transitional kindergarten in August and I’ll be picking him up every day at noon and spending the afternoon with him. I’m thinking of this next phase of my life as transitional retirement.
There are so many colleagues that have left a positive impression on me, that it is hard for me to just pick one or two. When I started making a list, I came to realize that I was inevitably going to leave someone out. As the director, I am privileged to be able to sit in on many of the classes we offer, and I have many memories of seeing our candidates engaging enthusiastically and joyfully in discussions and activities. In fact, what has really left an impression on me is how all of the instructors and coordinators of this program have managed to foster such wonderful caring communities each year. I think everyone is impacted by the genuine enthusiasm of Jeff Johnston as he engages in a flurry of costume changes or Susan Guilfyole as she organizes a celebratory dinner for bilingual candidates. As I said, my list of inspiring colleagues could go on and on …
What are the most fulfilling aspects of your job as the director of teacher education?
I enjoy working with others to make program improvements. Sometimes this involves working with other UC directors on a shared challenge and other times it involves working with UCI faculty or program coordinators to make improvements. I’m always gratified when we make changes that improve the experience of our candidates.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
My husband and I lived in Verano housing when he was getting his doctorate, and I often walk over to our old neighborhood. I can imagine our three- and six-year old daughters climbing on the play equipment or riding their bikes down the sidewalk. I also love Aldrich park — it is just so beautiful — every time of year something new is blooming.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I really enjoy spending time with my grandsons, who are one- and four-years old. They are so sweet and funny. In fact, one of the reasons I’m retiring this year is to spend more time with them. The four-year old, Miles, will be going to transitional kindergarten in August and I’ll be picking him up every day at noon and spending the afternoon with him. I’m thinking of this next phase of my life as transitional retirement.
