| Interviews Denise Ross-Lay, CCNA Coordinator/Instructor Valencia Community College-Regional Academy Basic Background Information Master of Arts in Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems Four years teaching experience Why did you become a Cisco instructor? I don't like the corporate environment, corporate climbing, gender competition. I can't stay in the same position too long. I enjoy learning new things. I'm in a learning environment that encourages professional development. I was a student at Valencia Community College. I went from a work-study lab technician to a part-time employee of the College, to a full-time lab coordinator/instructor, to the Cisco Networking Academy Coordinator/Instructor. I expect to continue learning, teaching and implementing new programs, possibly A+ or Microsoft. What challenges do you face as a new CCNA, Cisco Instructor? I have the certification, but I'm not an expert. I teach adults and some of them are working in technology. One is a network administrator with the county school district and one has his own company. He's an ISP provider. If I attempt to teach as an expert, I would lose credibility. So I make it clear to them that I am an instructor/facilitator. We all share experiences and knowledge. This way the class goes beyond what I know. It's a collective learning experience. In the meantime, to acquire more practical knowledge I have enrolled in Valencia Community College's program, Focus on the Workplace. The program allows faculty to get workplace experiences. I'm waiting for a response from Lucent. Is there any one thing or one person that was instrumental in your career? Dale Husbands-he was my instructor/mentor as a student. He continued to encourage me and volunteer me for greater responsibility throughout my career. He even went through the 1st half of the Cisco training with me. He didn't complete the training because he was promoted, but now he is a very networking savvy Dean. Dale has been instrumental in my achievements and to this day continues to involve me in new projects. What advice would you give other new Cisco Instructors? You have to enjoy learning and have patience, especially if you don't have a networking background. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it because when you're finished you know you have something good under your belt. You have the sense that you've proven yourself as a professional. And there is also a pride in being part of that exclusive group of people who are Cisco Certified Network Associates. Are you involved in other digital divide initiatives? Our school is a minority-serving institution, but that is not reflected in the Networking Academy enrollments. Hopefully through two efforts we will achieve a more equitable representation. We are actively recruiting in the high schools and have a very attractive Bridge to Success Scholarship program for digital equity. We are also forming a Sisters Mentoring Program to help improve retention rates of women in the college. |
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