Maya Makino

About Maya

Why did you choose this program?

I am a Humboldt local and wanted to stay in the area while preparing to serve this community. I also liked that this program was one year as opposed to two years. I previously completed my BA in Art Education at Humboldt State and had a great experience in that program so I decided to stay at HSU.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

With the support of my mentor teacher, Justine Smith, I was able to teach a semester of Advanced Art at McKinleyville High. Justine and I also spent time talking through and planning the curriculum. Getting to be part of those conversations prepared me to teach on my own.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I really enjoyed the small cohort. I liked being able to hear about other people’s experiences in their school sites.

I also really enjoyed working with my mentor teacher and being able to connect with students. I really appreciated the hands-on elements of the program, from student teaching to service learning with bilingual learners.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

I had fantastic teachers who were available to support me with my EdTPA and job application questions. I felt prepared to apply for and hold a full-time teaching position and I was hired to teach art full time upon graduation.