Published:

Fabiola Morino came to Adelphi University, pursuing degrees in Psychology and Childhood Education, with STEP Special Ed certification.

Fabiola Morino ‘13 began her journey at Adelphi University as a transfer student in Fall 2009, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) with a dual certification in students with disabilities (special education) through the Scholar Teacher Education Program (S.T.E.P.).

Wanting to get involved on campus immediately, she explored her options—devoting time to her studies, responsibilities as a sister of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc., and as secretary of U.M.O.J.A. (now called Mosaic), as a Peer Assistant Leader (PAL) mentor for incoming freshmen, a participant in the School of Education Model Program, a Phi Delta Kappa International member and other activities on campus. Teaching was her dream and, despite her busy schedule and tears of frustration, she never lost faith, knowing success would soon become a reality.

During Ms. Morino’s sophomore and junior years, through work-study, she began working as an America Reads tutor for first-graders at Washington Rose Elementary School. Her passion for teaching allowed her to surpass the expected tutoring role and become more active in the classroom.

Taking public transportation from Queens to Adelphi to catch the bus to the school, Ms. Morino often called Karen Autry, assistant director of employer relations at the Center for Career Development, to request that the buses wait for her. She now laughs at those days.

Fabiola Morino

Her passion for teaching allowed her to surpass the expected tutoring role and become more active in the classroom.

Preparing to graduate in Spring 2013, Ms. Morino made sure she was ready to apply for jobs right after graduation. Ms. Morino had to take her New York State exams to qualify for initial certification. However, she didn’t pass it the first time…or second time…or third time, as graduation day came and went. She began to question if she was really meant to become an educator—maybe she should have pursued another career choice. But Ms. Morino kept pushing and applied to teaching vacancies. All summer, she went on interviews and even received two offers, which could only become finalized after completing all required New York State exams.

Before graduation, Ms. Morino was selected for interviews at the Center for Career Development’s On-Campus Recruitment Program. There, she became familiar with local and out-of-state schools that were hiring for the upcoming school year. She was ultimately offered a full-time co-teaching position at Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School.

Having already landed a job within her field a couple of months after graduation, she redirected her energy, retaking the CST Multi-Subject exam. She passed, and it propelled her to more success.

In March 2014, Ms. Morino was hired as a permanent substitute teacher in a second-grade classroom at the academy. Hoping to find a full-time classroom teacher position, she again attended the On-Campus Recruitment Program in Spring 2014, understanding that moving out of New York might be an option. She narrowed her search to Maryland or Virginia, and she secured seven interviews from out-of-state schools, which resulted in three on-the-spot job offers.

Recently, Ms. Morino signed a tenure-track contract as a full-time classroom teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools in Asburn, Virginia, as a fourth- and fifth-grade special education teacher. Being closer to Howard University, in Washington, D.C., Ms. Morino hopes to complete a doctoral program in educational leadership. She was finally rewarded for all of those endless nights studying, early mornings of student teaching, tireless evenings working part-time jobs and multiple attempts at state exams. Ready for a change, Ms. Morino is excited as she begins this new chapter in her life.

This article appeared in the Career Compass Fall 2014 Newsletter.

For further information, please contact:

Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director 
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu

Contact
Phone Number
More Info
Location
Levermore Hall, 205
Search Menu