For episode eight we welcome John Kelly, a 2012 graduate of UC’s Master of Education program whose career journey has taken a very interesting path. A bookish kid growing up, John went on to study English in undergraduate school then, with a plan to become an educator, he pursued and completed graduate work at UC’s School of Education.

Life had other plans for John, though, and, despite receiving a teaching offer from a local public school, he found himself moving out of state – first to Minnesota, then California and, in time, to the Emerald Isle of Ireland. He began writing on a freelance basis for a number of high-profile outlets including Mental Floss, Atlas Obscura and Slate. His longstanding love of words and language led him to a senior lexicographer role with a dictionary website, followed by a five-plus year ascent through the ranks at Dictionary.com, where he was promoted to a Vice President of Editorial role at the well-known tech company.

Things have come full circle for John, though, as he recently renewed his teaching license and accepted a long-term substitute position teaching English at a local junior high school. In this episode, he shares with us the details of his various career moves, as well as the moment the classroom called him back from what he calls “an unemployed wilderness.” He talks to us about how it feels to be in front of students once again and where he sees his career going from here.

This episode begins season two for CECH Chats, during which we’re focused on conversations with alumni of the four schools in this college, learning about their personal and professional journeys since graduation day and hearing how these Bearcats for Life are impacting their communities for the better.

LINKS:

• Mashed Radish
• Shakespeare Confidential