Three Education Graduates Hail from Same Family
From left to right: Nancy, Malinda and Hailey Maytubby
A family of Cal Poly graduates put a dent in the nation’s STEM teacher shortage this spring. Mom Nancy Maytubby (B.S., Liberal Studies, 2015) and her daughters Malinda Klinchuch (B.S., Liberal Studies, 2011; Single and Multiple Subject Credentials, 2012; M.A., Education, 2015) and Hailey Maytubby (B.S., Liberal Studies, 2014; Multiple Subject Credential, 2015) all received education degrees or a credential in June.
Nancy worked as a teacher at a private school in Bakersfield, Calif., while her daughters were growing up. Her example instilled a love of education in them. “I think teaching was a destiny for me and my sister,” said Malinda, who now teaches math at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, Calif. “Watching so many wonderful teachers, including my mom, impact students' lives created a shared passion in us.”
Malinda was the first Cal Poly graduate in the family, completing her bachelor’s degree in 2011. This spring, she earned her master’s in educational leadership and administration.
Hailey followed Malinda both to Cal Poly and into the math minor. She finished the Cal Poly credential program in June and will begin teaching seventh grade math at Judkins Middle School in Pismo Beach, Calif., in the fall. “They've always liked math,” Nancy said.
“And in general liked kids,” Hailey added. “Teaching is something I’ve always loved to do.”
When Hailey was a freshman, her dad was transferred to Templeton. Nancy hadn’t needed a bachelor’s degree at the private school she’d taught at for years, but the requirements were different on the Central Coast. She missed teaching and so applied for the liberal studies program and enrolled in 2013, Hailey’s senior year.
“I didn't want to infringe on Hailey’s college experience,” Nancy said. “I thought, when I see her on campus, do I say, 'Hey Hailey?’ I didn’t want to cause that awkward that's-my-mom moment.”
“At first it was like, uh oh, my mom’s coming to campus, but this is something she wanted and teaching is her passion,” Hailey said.
All three are excited about how Learn by Doing in the liberal studies and credential programs prepared them for the classroom. “At Cal Poly, you're not just memorizing things, you're experiencing them,” Nancy said.
“In so many classes, we actually go out to the schools and put what we've learned into practice, even before the credential program,” Hailey said.
Malinda confirmed what her mom and sister are looking forward to. “Cal Poly's Learn by Doing approach enabled me to start my career teaching with confidence and excitement.”
And these three have something not every teacher has — a built-in support network. “I love having a family full of teachers,” Malinda said. “We know exactly what joys and frustrations teaching brings to our lives and are able to understand one another.”