Maria Nunez Hernandez

Elementary Education

Maria Nunez Hernandez is following the career path she has dreamed of since she was little – being a teacher.

“成长, I always dreamed of having my own classroom and would set up a pretend classroom in my living room using kitchen chairs as desks,” Nunez Hernandez said. “My siblings were the students and I would convince them to play along with me.”

As a first-generation college student, attending Delaware Tech has been the perfect choice for her to get the instruction and knowledge she needed without having to be away from her family.

“It was important for me to come to college to pursue the career I loved,” Nunez Hernandez said. “I knew going to college would equip me with the tools and knowledge needed to be the best teacher I can be for my future students.”

Nunez Hernandez graduated in the spring of 2023 with her degree in early care education. She had originally planned on enrolling in the bachelor’s program at the University of Delaware. Just before graduation, she heard about Delaware Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSE) program and quickly changed her plans. She decided to stay at Delaware Tech, enroll in the elementary education program, and plans to apply for the BSE program once she graduates with her second associate degree.

“This will broaden my knowledge in the education field and will allow me to become dual-certified in elementary education and special education,”她说。. “I know as a future educator, I will have to best meet the needs of all of my students, and being dual certified will allow me to do that.

“My ultimate goal in the education field is to be a special education teacher and positively impact the lives of all children.”

During her time at Delaware Tech, Nunez Hernandez has had the chance to grow as an individual by getting out of her comfort zone with several opportunities to share her story with a public audience. She spoke to the attendees at the annual Starry, Starry Night Gala at the Owens Campus in 乔治敦大学 as well as one of the 校董会 meetings.

“Both events boosted my confidence,”她说。. “They were transformative experiences that changed the narrative I had about myself of public speaking. Today, I feel more comfortable giving presentations and less nervous about public speaking.”

Working at the campus Child Development Center (CDC) offered another opportunity for her to grow as an individual and network with fellow professionals. She started as a work study student, then was hired as a student intern, and finally as an assistant teacher. She is currently working as a co-teacher at another child care center.

“I learned so much in the field of early childhood through the ongoing training and growth opportunities,” Nunez Hernandez said. “I certainly wouldn’t have been able to apply for my current position with the CDC family and their support.”