Completely changing your career path is not an easy thing to do,
but for Ross Hamilton ‘07GEd, it was the only way to reach his full
potential. Working in the corporate sector as a program coordinator
for a reputable radio network, Ross says he felt unfulfilled and
began considering careers that would allow him to create a direct
positive change in people’s lives.
“I was working at a 9-to-5 job where I was in front of the computer
all day. I grew tired of the corporate culture and decided to
pursue teaching. I began searching for the best program that would
provide me with the support I needed for my transition into the
teaching profession. St. John’s career change program in The School
of Education has a strong reputation of excellence in the field of
education, so it was the obvious choice.”
After successful completion of the program in 2007, Ross became a
ninth grade U.S. history teacher at Bronx Expeditionary Learning
High School in New York City. His responsibilities now include
preparing students for the U.S. History and Global Studies New York
State Regents Exams, representing the entire Social Studies
department as a team leader and serving as the faculty advisor for
the Bronx Expeditionary Learning High School Debate Club.
Although Ross admits being a high school history teacher is a
demanding career, his passion for helping students succeed is what
drives him to go above and beyond on a daily basis, “One of the
most rewarding elements of teaching on the high school level is the
ability to watch an immature adolescent who was at first struggling
in school slowly transform into a focused young adult who is now
ready to enter college.”
In between teaching and advising, Ross is a faculty mentor for the
CREW, a high school guidance program in which students are offered
additional academic support, friendship, teamwork, and character
and community building through faculty-led group projects and
service.
Ross recounts a week-long CREW camping trip as one of the most
memorable experiences he’s had as a high school history
teacher.
“It was during this adventure that I witnessed first-hand students
gaining valuable character and life skills that they can still
apply to their lives today. Having the ability to help a child who
expresses his or her fears, concerns, and aspirations to you, and
knowing that you are capable of providing that child with a sense
of stability is one of the most satisfying things about being a
teacher. I credit my education from St. John’s for providing me
with a strong foundation that allows me to do that.”