From mortgage brokers to car salesmen and from divorce attorneys to biochemists, the District’s Alternative Certification for Educators program is helping to convert seasoned business professionals into an even more valuable asset: teachers. And it’s bringing a wealth of real-world experience into Broward County classrooms as an added benefit.

Geri Eckert

After 15 years in the real estate and mortgage industry, Geri Eckert thought it was time to change careers and try to bring something positive into the classroom. "I wasn’t satisfied with my previous career and I saw the need for imparting real-world perspective to students," explained Geri, who teaches sixth grade reading at Millennium Middle School in Tamarac. Armed with a degree in English, she entered the ACE program and is now in her second year of teaching. "I believe it’s important to teach kids the importance of organization and goals," she said. "I think the kids respond to me in a very positive way, especially when I talk to them about real world stuff. They’re happy to talk about current events. In fact, one of my most rewarding experiences so far centers on a student who, after discussing current events together in our classroom, went home and had a real conversation with her father about them. She told me she never really talked to her dad before about anything important," Geri said.

Rex Nottage

Rex Nottage, a full-time health teacher at Coral Springs High School, is another ACE program participant. Working part-time in car sales and part-time as a football coach at the school, Rex soon realized he could make a greater impact on his students’ lives as a full-time teacher. "When a former student called me to thank me for my help in getting him into college, I knew I was more valuable as a coach and teacher," explained Rex. A Coral Springs High graduate himself, Rex now uses his degree in health and fitness promotion from Georgia Southern full-time. "I love teaching; it’s very rewarding to make an impact on the younger generation. I especially like the field I’m in because it’s knowledge that can be used every day," he said. His sales skills also come in handy. "I can relate to the kids and I’m a good motivator. I try to get the best out of them," he adds. "In sales, it’s important to be able to change a customer’s direction when a road block occurs. The same goes for the kids I teach and coach. I try to steer them in the right educational direction," Rex said.

Marilyn Johnson

Marilyn Johnson was once a biochemical researcher, teaching medical students at the University of Miami. These days, she’s teaching eighth grade science at Falcon Cove Middle School. "With three small children, I needed a career that would allow me to be on the same schedule as them," explained Marilyn. "I really enjoyed the teaching aspect of my former career so I decided to apply to the public school system. Now I’m using my broad, hands-on experience to help reinforce my students’ learning process," she said. Although Marilyn’s new career is certainly more basic than her previous one, she’s truly enjoying it. "I really like it when the students are enthused about learning new things. I also like getting to deal with the ‘whole person,’ versus the limited role I played with my med school students," she said.

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