Meet Dr. Ana York

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Ana York. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ana below.

Dr. Ana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through a journey marked by challenges and resilience, deeply rooted in my love for God, my children, my parents, nature, and my dogs. When I was eight, my family moved from Puerto Rico to Modesto, CA. Starting school at the end of the first semester was tough because my Spanish was different from my Mexican peers, and I also needed to learn English. Being unable to communicate with either group led to isolation and a sense of not belonging. At the age of 14, these feelings of isolation and low self-esteem pushed me into an abusive marriage with a 20-year-old. A year later, I had my first daughter. Holding her in my arms, I realized that my education would be the key to escaping abuse and poverty. I remained in that marriage for eleven years and had two more daughters with him. Later, I remarried, had my son, and divorced after 14 years.
As a young mother, I was valedictorian at Elliott Alternative Education Center and Modesto Junior College. I transferred to CSU Stanislaus, where I earned a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in Bilingual cross-cultural Spanish. After completing the credential program with a multiple-subject BCLAD, I took the Spanish CSETs to earn a single-subject credential. I dedicated 25 years to Modesto City Schools, teaching 15 at the elementary level and ten at the high school. I taught Spanish for beginners and AP Spanish Language & Culture. Along the way, I earned an MBA and decided to pursue a PhD in 2015, graduating in 2021. In the fall of 2022, my alma mater, CSU Stanislaus, hired me as an assistant professor on a tenure track in the Teacher Education Department. In my role, I aim to impart knowledge and empower my students to pursue their dreams. I am committed to social and environmental justice, believing that education is a powerful tool for breaking free from adversity, achieving one’s dreams, and fostering a more equitable and sustainable world.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am deeply passionate about teaching and enjoy imparting knowledge and supporting students through their learning journeys. One of my core goals is to change the perception of the teaching field. I firmly believe that those who can teach! This belief inspired me to contact Educators Rising when I realized California was not an official affiliate. Now, I am the state regional coordinator for the Central Valley.
In my role, I have started a chapter at Modesto High School and a collegiate chapter at CSU Stanislaus. It has been gratifying to see these initiatives grow. In the spring of 2023 and 2024, I led our college students to San Diego for the Aspiring Educators conference and coordinated a campus trip for high school students to visit CSU Stanislaus. Most recently, I wrote a grant proposal and received a We Will Collaborative sub-award of $399,999. This funding will enable me to take students to the National Educators Rising Conference for the next three summers. On June 27, 2024, I will take 42 high school and college students and chaperones to Washington, DC, for our first conference. Many of these first-generation college students have never traveled outside of California, making this a significant and transformative experience for them.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to shape and inspire future educators. The ripple effect of empowering one teacher can influence countless students and communities. I want teaching to be a first choice, not an afterthought. Through Educators Rising, students can learn about the education field and gain clinical experience early, helping them make informed decisions about entering the field. Additionally, I am a proud member of the Alumni Council, which allows me to stay connected and contribute to its ongoing mission of fostering excellence in education.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I realize three qualities were most impactful: resilience, dedication to education, and a commitment to social justice. Overcoming the challenges of isolation, language barriers, and an abusive early marriage required immense resilience. This quality allowed me to persevere through adversity and focus on my goals. To develop resilience, I advise embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and maintaining a positive mindset, even in difficult times. Building a support network of friends, mentors, and family can also provide the encouragement needed to stay resilient. My unwavering commitment to education was the key to transforming my life. From striving to be valedictorian in high school and college to pursuing advanced degrees, my focus on education opened doors and created opportunities. For those early in their journey, set clear educational goals and stay committed to continuous learning. Seek mentors and educational opportunities, and always recognize and harness the transformative power of education to shape and elevate your life.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz has significantly influenced my life and teaching philosophy. One of the critical agreements, “Be impeccable with your word,” underscores the importance of speaking with integrity and choosing words that align with truth and kindness. This principle has guided me in fostering a positive and supportive environment for my students. The agreement “Don’t make assumptions” has taught me to seek clarity and understanding, which is crucial in education, where assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for growth. “Don’t take things personally” is another impactful lesson, reminding me to maintain a sense of self-worth and resilience, even in the face of criticism or negativity. Finally, “Always do your best” encourages a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, values I strive to instill in my students as they pursue their educational journeys. These agreements collectively shape my teaching approach, helping me support and empower my students.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.csustan.edu/people/dr-ana-york