Paths to success: How Mediha Shakir found her dream career in teaching through the Teacher Residency Program

There are multiple paths that lead to a single destination - this thought stands true when discovering and achieving your dream career. Mediha Shakir, a teacher at Arcade Middle School, found the pathway to her current job through the Teacher Residency Program hosted by San Juan Unified School District in partnership with Alder Graduate School of Education.

Shakir moved to the United States from Baghdad, Iraq, in 2010. Before moving to the States, she earned her master’s degree in chemistry to teach at the high school level in Iraq.

“Adjusting to a new country was a challenge, but also an opportunity for growth,” said Shakir, “Once my second child was eligible for preschool, I began volunteering at Garfield Preschool, which introduced me to the U.S. education system and led to my first job in San Juan Unified.”

Eager to pursue a career in education, Shakir landed a position as an instructional assistant in a moderate/severe special education class at Mira Loma High School, led by teacher Marisa Bender. During her seven years as an instructional assistant, Shakir’s love for teaching only grew. Her desire to continue making a positive impact was strengthened by observing Bender’s interactions with students.

“Watching Marisa Bender’s impact on students and experiencing the fulfillment of helping students grow made me realize how important the work is,” said Shakir. “ I want to inspire the same love of learning and growth in my students as I saw in hers.”

An opportunity to follow her dream presented itself when she received an email inviting her to participate in the Teacher Residency Program. This program, available to San Juan Unified employees, allows participants to obtain their master’s degree and teaching credential in one year.

The teacher residency program also puts residents in the classroom so they can experience everything that comes with teaching a class, including building relationships with students, putting together report cards and more.

“The Teacher Residency Program provides hands-on experience, which is invaluable when transitioning to your own classroom,” said Shakir, “The support network you build with peers is also a huge benefit.”

After an intensive year of learning, studying and teaching, Shakir graduated from the Teacher Residency Program in May 2024 alongside her cohort of 17 other residents. Graduation is a special time for program residents because at this time, they interview for teaching positions at San Juan Unified. These interviews present a unique opportunity to graduates, as they can continue to teach within the same district in which they have completed their residency and student teaching.

Shakir’s journey post-graduation is similar to that of many program graduates. After interviewing for a science teacher position, she secured her current job at Arcade, just down the street from her instructional assistant position at Mira Loma. Coincidentally, Shakir began teaching alongside fellow graduate, Sara Anderson, who also got a position at Arcade after completing her residency.

“San Juan Unified has been supportive by providing opportunities for growth and professional development,” said Shakir. “The teacher residency program is one example of how the district is committed to helping educators from diverse backgrounds succeed.”

Learn more about the program on the Alder Graduate School of Education’s website.