When McKenzie Ohst started studying education, she wasn’t planning to become a teacher. Kendall VanWagner always dreamed of teaching but didn’t know where that dream would take her.
Now, both women have found their calling at Hillside Learning Center, where they are working together to help students in special education unlock their potential.
Ohst, an elementary sensory and communication teacher, says her career path wasn’t always clear.
“I didn’t know this is what I wanted to do,” she says. “I started my training in the tech center, hoping to be a school counselor for middle or high school. Then I fell in love with working with young children during different placement opportunities. That’s when I realized this was where I wanted to be.”
Ohst’s journey took her through various experiences, from babysitting to working as a paraprofessional, before she landed her current teaching position.
“When there was an open position, I took my shot, and here I am today,” says Ohst, a 2019 graduate of Allegan High School who is pursuing her degree online at Grand Canyon University.
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Courtesy of Allegan Area ESA McKenzie Ohst poses with a student.
Many career possibilities
VanWagner’s path was more direct. The 2024 high school graduate discovered her passion for special education while participating in the teacher education program at the Allegan Tech Center. She was placed as a student teacher in Ohst’s classroom this year, where she quickly realized she wanted to continue working in that environment.
“From the moment I was here, I was like, ‘I love it. I don’t want to do anything else,’” VanWagner says. “I didn’t even know paras were a thing until then.”
Paras, or paraprofessionals, assist teachers in the classroom. VanWagner now works in that role while considering her future in education.
“I’m taking this year to figure things out,” she says. “I really like the position I have, so I don’t want to change it.”
VanWagner says her time at Hillside has also opened her eyes to other career possibilities, such as behavioral intervention or adaptive physical education.
“There’s more out there than just teaching,” she says. “I’m exploring what path I want to take.”
Both educators emphasize the rewards of working with students in special education and the supportive environment at Hillside.
“I love making a difference with all our kids,” VanWagner says. “Many people think students with different labels and diagnoses can’t achieve certain things, but we get to prove they can. Seeing them do things no one imagined is amazing.”
Ohst agrees, adding that the connections she builds with her students and colleagues are deeply fulfilling.
“It really feels like a family here,” she says. “Everyone works together with the same goals. We all cheer each other on and hold these kids to high standards because we want to see them thrive.”
Experience began in high school
Both women’s journeys began with hands-on learning opportunities in high school, which they encourage others to pursue. The Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (Allegan Area ESA) offers a variety of teaching programs, including early childhood programs.
“If you have the opportunity, take it,” VanWagner says.
Ohst agrees, adding that these programs open doors to future opportunities.
“You learn so much and build connections that can help you later,” she says. “If you like working with kids or think you might want to, it’s definitely worth it.”
Both were students of Jen Fuller, the teacher education instructor at Allegan Tech Center.
Fuller, who moved to teaching after years as a paraprofessional, spent nearly 18 years at the Tech Center, first as a paraprofessional from 2007 to 2012 and as an instructor since 2012.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with students and teaching them,” Fuller says. “My fourth- and fifth-grade teachers in Allegan were huge motivators, and I wanted to be like them.”
Fuller’s journey to teaching started with a degree in elementary education, but she took advantage of an opportunity to teach in the upper grades.
“I loved the content, and the opportunity to teach high school students who aspire to work with teens seemed like a great fit,” she says.
She credits the combination for allowing her to shape students who are excited about a career in education and provide them with the skills to succeed.
Fuller says the most rewarding aspect of her job is witnessing her students’ excitement when their lesson plans succeed.
“I am teaching my students, and they go out to teach their students in their placement classrooms,” she says. “The joy they feel when their lessons go as planned is priceless.”
Fuller encourages her students to focus on the positives and not be discouraged by the setbacks common in any profession. While education has its difficulties, she says, it can be a fulfilling career.
Former students in front of the class
Fuller’s experience has shaped her teaching philosophy. With the Tech Center’s Career and Technical Education’s (CTE) focus on hands-on learning, she encourages her students to create and test hands-on activities designed for children. This helps students gain skills and confidence as they prepare for their careers.
“McKenzie is the first one in the county who was a former student and came back working as a teacher in the same district,” Fuller says. “Kendall and McKenzie work together in the same classroom, and this warms my heart knowing that classroom is being taught by my former students.”
Fuller remembers Ohst being a student who was a “motivator, always wanting to do more, passionate about kids, and helping improve my enrollment at the Tech Center. She nominated me Most Valuable Educator during her basketball season, and that continues to mean a ton to me. It’s displayed in my classroom.”
She recalls VanWagner as always coming up with creative activities, wanting to improve, and being passionate about special education.
“They gain experience working in various classrooms in Allegan,” Fuller says of her students. “This allows them to see what career path they want to follow, experience different classroom management styles, and ensure that education is their future career path. During their time there, students plan, prepare, and implement lessons varying from small groups to entire class settings.”
In her class, students gain certifications in CPR and MiRegistry, a health and safety training program for child care providers. These credentials, along with hands-on experience, will put her students a step ahead.
Fuller recommends that any student interested in her program contact their high school counselor to sign up.
“My advice is to enjoy working with kids, be organized, and be willing to be a leader,” Fuller says. “If you are unsure and want to explore this career option, it is better to do it now and see if you like it.”