HawkStrong: Teaching is HFC student’s calling
For HFC student Chelsie Gore, teaching is a calling.
“I feel I have always had a calling to become a teacher, and I originally went to school for elementary education. After being diagnosed with lymphoma at 19, I decided to switch to the health care field. I was substitute teaching for two years when I was offered a full-time teaching position. That was my push to pursue my calling,” said Gore, who lives in Flat Rock with her husband and two children.
Gore teaches physical education and computer science at St. Joseph Catholic School in Trenton. She also coaches the varsity volleyball team. She has been in this position for four years.
“Because I had enough college credits, I was eligible for my long-term substitute teaching license through the Michigan Department of Education. My contract through the South Redford School District states that once I start teaching with my long-term sub license, I have three years to become certified, and I must take at least six credit hours each year,” she explained.
An alumna of Gabriel Richard Catholic High School in Riverview, Gore studied nursing and pathology at Siena Heights University, and important educational partner for HFC students. She attended SHU on a full-ride volleyball scholarship. When she realized she wanted to switch careers and go into teaching, she transferred to HFC.
“I decided to attend HFC because it was a very affordable option for my program,” said Gore.
A connection with elementary-age children
This spring, Gore will earn her associate degree in pre-education from HFC. She plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University, where she will major in elementary education.
“I prefer elementary because I connect well with that age group. At the elementary level, the children are like sponges and are very engaged in learning,” she said. “At this point, I would like to be a 1st to 3rd grade classroom teacher. I am considering special education too.”
One of the advantages of attending HFC, according to Gore, is the ability to take classes asynchronously. This allows her to work full-time and raise her family while pursuing her education. Gore stated HFC Pre-Education Program Director Dr. Carolyn Casale has had a profound influence on her.
“Dr. Casale has had a tremendous impact on me as a teacher,” said Gore. “Her passion for the field of education has really been an inspiration to me.”
Casale believes Chelsie has a great future ahead. “Chelsie is in a unique situation: She is teaching full-time and taking courses to become a teacher,” said Casale. “In addition, she is a mom of two and is completing her degree from HFC. She is hard-working and a true reflective practitioner.”