15. Finding purpose through service: One teacher’s unusual path to leadership

In this episode, Julie interviews Christy Ford, a high school teacher at Boyd County High School in Eastern Kentucky.  Christy discusses her journey from a college writing professor to high school AP English teacher to a JAG (Jobs for America's Graduates) specialist.  As the JAG specialist in her high school, Christy supports students as they overcome difficulties and assists them in finding employment or further education after high school graduation. 

We talk about:

• The opioid crisis in eastern Kentucky, and how this has impacted teens and families, as well as the entire community.

• How teaching college writing and AP English were “fine” but not exactly the kind of work Christy loves to do.

• The JAG program, why Christy volunteered to take on this kind of work with students, and - despite various challenges - finds it incredibly fulfilling.

CHRISTY FORD’S BIO:

Christy Ford is a writer and Nationally Board Certified educator from Ashland, Kentucky. She has taught English at Marshall University, Ohio University, and Boyd County High School after a powerful 2 years in Americorps. Her current position is as a Jobs For America's Graduates Specialist where she addresses student trauma and the significant obstacles it creates to graduation and post-diploma success.

Support Christy’s students by donating some items from her classroom’s Amazon wishlist !!

JULIE’S LINKS: 

Julie’s InstagramJulie’s LinkedInJulie’s Career Catalyst website  

SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE: Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 

FREE TOOLS 

Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role. Click the links below. 

Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 

Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 

Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 

Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media