Jessica Berlinger: 2016-2017 Mary Roosevelt Honor Scholarship in Teaching and Learning

​At the 2016-2017 Master of Arts in Teaching Recognition Ceremony, Jessica Berlinger was awarded a Mary Roosevelt Honor Scholarship in Teaching and Learning for excellence in academics, demonstrated leadership skills, and dedication to improving the lives and educational opportunities of students. Jessica is pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. Below, she shares her thoughts about her educational journey and her intended career. 

October 2016

I am originally from Orange County. I received my BA in Psychology from UCLA. I think I may have a bit of a different path to discovering my passion for teaching compared to my fellow classmates! My past work experience includes event planning at UCLA; working as a community manager for an on-demand, food delivery start-up; and teaching English in Europe for three years. I discovered my love for teaching while living in Madrid, Spain and Paris, France. I taught English in public high schools in Madrid for two years. After that, I moved to Paris, where I taught business professionals from French companies and organizations, including the French Ministry of Defense and Justice, and Hermes. 

I chose UCI to pursue my Masters and teaching credential because I believe this program prepares candidates not only as teachers but also as well-informed educators who will be ready to take on the challenges currently facing our education system.

I would like to teach high school English after I complete my credential and my Master's from UCI. I hope to inspire my future students to not only enjoy their education inside the classroom but to pursue and enjoy their education outside of the classroom as well. I believe a well-rounded education is key in gaining a holistic education and I am grateful for all the lessons I learned inside and outside of the classroom. 
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Mary Roosevelt and Jessica Berlinger