One of Jay Sloan’s most memorable experiences as a PVCC student was being a part of the Club Ed Leadership Board that helped plan and organize the 19th Annual Future Educators Conference hosting students and faculty from throughout the Maricopa Community College District. One of his roles was to facilitate and moderate a panel discussion. With over 200 people in the audience, he admits it was nerve-racking, but now looks upon the accomplishment as empowering and inspiring.
Jay’s college experience began as a participant in the Hoop of Learning Early College program while in high school. He credits CPD150 College Success course for giving him a taste of college life. He stated it was inspiring to be with others who were passionate about continuing their education and he appreciated the sense of community. Jay excelled and completed his Elementary Education Associate of Arts degree in just a year and a half.
“Meggin Kirk, Education Program Director, helped me fully realize my passion for Education,” said Jay. “She realized my own personal potential and helped me grow academically and personally.” Another instructor that had a profound impact on Jay’s PVCC experience was Dr. Keith Kelly. “Survey of American Music was my first Honors course. I was nervous going into it, but it opened my eyes that there is always room for improvement, spiritually, mentally and academically.” Jay applied his passion for Education in this class and presented his Honor’s Showcase project titled The Phonograph and Early 20th Century Music Education. The writing and research skills Jay learned applied to his upper level writing courses at NAU.
Jay, a first-generation college student, expressed his gratitude for the scholarships he received while at PVCC. He received the President’s Honors Scholarship, numerous Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation scholarships, like a $250 bookstore scholarship. These scholarships enabled him to purchase a used car for transportation, textbooks and a laptop. And now, through the Arizona Teachers’ Academy, his tuition at NAU is fully covered.
PVCC’s partnership with NAU allowed him to work towards his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education without having to leave PVCC. Jay holds himself to very high expectations, which meant maintaining his 4.0 GPA. In addition to school, Jay was also the PVCC Teacher Development Center Coordinator. He facilitated Club Ed meetings and organized events, such as the first virtual Education Program new student orientation. He enthusiastically shared his PVCC experience with new students and helped them to prepare for what to expect at the university level.
When asked what he likes most about teaching, Jay says building relationships. He believes relationships are the key to helping students succeed. After graduating from NAU in May 2022, Jay completed his first year teaching at an elementary school in the Peoria Unified School District, where he taught 6th grade science and social studies for one quarter, then taught 4th grade until the end of the school year, due to teacher retention difficulties. Currently, Jay teaches 7th grade social studies at the Arizona School for the Arts.
Once he is an experienced and seasoned teacher, Jay plans to earn a Master's degree, so he can teach post-secondary education and share his passion for education with future educators.