Virtual Alumni Panel |Career Changers

Join us for an inspiring evening designed to offer insight into navigating the transition to becoming a teacher.

On Monday, April 20, 2026 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST, the Office of Graduate Admissions will be hosting a career changer panel. The panel is comprised of alumni who have made the switch and are looking forward to sharing their stories and offering you advice. This event is open to all, whether or not you're considering a career change!

Meet Our Alumni Panelists
At the event, you’ll hear from five alumni who successfully navigated this transition and discovered that the skills from their previous career paths easily transferred into the classroom.

• Kate Dubose, GSE ’24: After 25 years as an administrator, Kate transitioned into early childhood education to “heal some of that academic trauma” from her own past. Now an associate teacher working with two-year-olds, she draws on her organizational expertise to create supportive learning environments. 
• Serniqua Dougherty, GSE ’22: Serniqua left a career as a high-end interior designer to become a special education head teacher. She uses her creative background to engage students through art and hands-on activities while building empathetic relationships with parents.
• Janai Gilkes, GSE ’20: Transitioning from corporate HR and administrative management, Janai sought a mission-driven life in educational leadership. Today, she serves as the Foster Grandparent Program Director for the NYC Department for the Aging, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and advocating for community impact.
• Miki Tomaru, GSE ’22: Formerly a professional in a high-stress field, Miki chose the TESOL Residency Program to better harmonize her work with her values. As an ENL teacher in the Bronx, she focuses on emotional needs first, ensuring every student’s cultural identity is honored.
• Jack Woodhull, GSE ’18: A former professional musician and stay-at-home dad, Jack found his calling while experiencing his daughter’s unbridled curiosity. Today, he is a third-grade teacher who uses rhythmic patterns to help students focus during math.

This virtual panel will be held on Zoom. Once you register for the event, you'll receive the Zoom information.