When Christina Jaouni’s children started school at Akin Elementary, she was a stay-at-home mom and was glad to be involved in her children’s school by volunteering.
“When I started as a volunteer, I came to love the school and the culture, but I never thought I’d end up here as a teacher,” Jaouni said.
After two years as a volunteer, Jaouni came to love the campus and community so much that she began to consider working there. She quickly became interested in an instructional assistant (IA) position but hit a roadblock when she realized she’d need 48 hours of college credit to meet the requirements for the role. However, Jaouni was determined to do whatever it took to get the job. After successfully passing a highly qualified exam, Jaouni was hired as an IA at Akin.
“I loved the job,” she said. “It was very rewarding, and I loved having my kids here. But I still didn’t think I’d be a teacher — no way.”
That’s when another opportunity came along.
This time, it was Leander ISD’s Grow Your Own program — a scholarship program that helps district employees further their education with the goal of filling teaching positions. Jaouni was eligible for a program that assists IAs in earning their bachelor’s degree. With the help of LISD Human Resources, Jaouni applied for the program, received a letter of recommendation from her principal, and was one of six IAs selected for the scholarship. She was also the first to earn her degree from Texas Woman’s University and be hired as a teacher.
“I’m very thankful to Leander for this opportunity,” Jaouni said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I appreciate all the support I’ve received here!”
After graduation, Jaouni was hired as a social communication support and services (SCSS) teacher at Akin. While challenging at times, Jaouni loves what she does.
“The connection that you build with the kids, the love you get from them, makes you feel very fulfilled,” she said. “You feel wanted, needed. Especially with the children I work with, it’s very hard to connect with them, but once you do, it’s an indescribable feeling.”
Jaouni is already making an impact on her students, and the campus team is glad to have her.
“Christina is a gem of a hire for our campus and public education,” said Amanda Wilson, Akin Elementary principal. “She is driven and intelligent and understands the importance of building relationships with the students she serves. Akin is honored that she chose our campus to lead her passion for students. I am so glad Akin is her home, it would not be the same without her.”
Jaouni encourages others in her position to begin their own journey toward teaching.
“Don’t even think about not doing it,” she said. “With the right support, whatever happens, happens. I’ve always wanted to have a degree, but I felt like I couldn’t. Now I feel complete, and I want to go for my master’s degree.”
