Our Education Division has been working on strategic planning with The National Charter Schools Institute. A key part of the experience has been reconnecting with our “why” in education, a reflection on the personal purpose that drives our work. We’re excited to share our stories in upcoming Sponsor Updates.
This month, we’re featuring Emily Puterbaugh, Compliance Representative. For Emily, education has always been about creating a place where people can belong.
What originally drew you to a career in education?
I began teaching ESL as a volunteer with a group of non-literate learners from Burma and DRC in 2013. I fell head-over-heels in love with teaching! I added a TESOL program onto my undergrad degrees, even though it changed my graduation date. I graduated in 2014, and immediately began working with adults learning English. I did that work for six years, then started working with a different group of underserved students – the incarcerated. I spent 2.5 years as an instructor for a technical college program in a prison before moving to Ohio.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
I love that we help students who didn’t find a home in traditional settings. I like that my role helps support those schools.
What do you enjoy most about your role at BCHF?
What I enjoy most in my compliance role is supporting passionate leaders. School leaders are some of the busiest, most hardworking people! It’s really satisfying to get to know our school leaders and hear about a problem and think, “Oh, I know the answer!” My favorite thing is being able to take something off of their overflowing plates.
How do you define your “why”? Is there a particular moment that reinforced it?
I grew up in a very religious community as the wrong religion. I think that’s always created a pull in me towards misfits, and I think you can see that in the kinds of learners I have worked with – usually people who have not seen success in “traditional” education. My why has always been finding a place to thrive for those who feel out of place.
How do you reconnect with your “why” during tough times?
For me, “why” is a practice. You can’t lose your why, or it isn’t your why.
What have you learned about yourself through your work at BCHF?
I love checking off Epicenter tasks!
How do you hope to continue growing in your role?
As you’re learning compliance, you have to ask a lot of questions, because so much of it’s counterintuitive and wonky and there are just a million tiny details that are easy to forget. Some day, I’d like to have more of those answers myself and I’m working on creating proactive systems for myself.
What is a quote or mantra you live by?
“It’s supposed to be fun.” Someone once said this to me while I was getting worked up about “what ifs” with fostering a difficult dog. It was the smallest piece of advice; just a gentle nudge to not catastrophize and enjoy the journey even when there are challenges. If I’m not having a good time, I need to either change my actions or change my perspective.
Who inspires you in your work?
All of my wonderful colleagues. Everyone brings so much to the table! And of course, the fearless leader of compliance – Maureen!
Who are you outside of your work at BCHF?
Outside of BCHF, I find time to teach one ESL class a semester at Tri-C. I am passionate about rescue dogs, CrossFit, yoga, and nature!
At the heart of Emily’s “why” is a simple belief: everyone deserves a place to belong, and she’s determined to help students find it.