With a foundation of dedication and a strong desire to impact young lives, Jen Fuller, the Teacher Education instructor at Allegan Tech Center, is leading the way in training the next generation of educators. Fuller, who transitioned to teaching after years as a paraprofessional, brings her own journey and passion for education to every lesson. Having spent over a decade at the Tech Center—first as a paraprofessional from 2007 to 2012 and as an instructor since 2012—her influence reaches beyond her students to the broader community and local workforce.
One highlight of Fuller’s career was seeing her CTSO team qualify for nationals in San Diego, California, where they showcased a community service project they developed. “It was a proud moment to see my students reach such a significant milestone and represent our program on a national stage,” Fuller shares. This accomplishment reflects her dedication to experiential learning and her belief in students’ ability to achieve meaningful, real-world outcomes.
Fuller’s journey to teaching started with an initial degree in elementary education, K-5. “I loved the content,” she explains, “and the opportunity to teach high school students who aspire to work with teens seemed like a great fit.” This unique combination allows her to shape students who are excited about a career in education and provide them with the skills to succeed. Fuller finds 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."
Despite challenges—like the often-negative portrayal of education in the media—Fuller encourages her students to stay focused on the positives and not be discouraged by setbacks common in any profession. She emphasizes that while education has its difficulties, it’s an incredibly fulfilling career. Her approach helps students stay motivated and understand the full picture of working in education.
Fuller’s real-world experience shapes her teaching philosophy. Emphasizing Career and Technical Education’s (CTE) hands-on learning focus, she continually encourages her students to create and test hands-on activities designed for children. This practical approach helps students gain valuable skills and confidence as they prepare for their own careers in education. “I’m training future teachers, counselors, social workers, and others who want to work with kids,” Fuller explains. “They’ll graduate high school, go on to college, and bring the skills they learned here back into our community.”
The impact of Fuller's program on the community is profound. Her students are equipped with classroom experience, an understanding of classroom management, and lesson planning skills, making them ideal candidates for local daycare centers and school districts. “They are much more prepared than someone hired without that background,” she says, emphasizing the value her students bring to local educational settings.
When asked what advice she would give to those considering a career in education, Fuller highlights the importance of quick decision-making, empathy, and dedication. “It takes commitment, but the rewards are ongoing,” she says, encouraging students to view the profession as a lifelong journey.
As she continues her work at the Tech Center, Fuller hopes to leave a legacy of creating a welcoming and safe environment for students, a place where they feel valued and eager to learn. Her personal background as an Allegan High School graduate who played tennis on an international exchange team in England reflects her love for community and lifelong learning. Fuller also adds an important skill to her students’ toolkit as a certified American Red Cross CPR instructor, ensuring that they are equipped for both classroom and real-life situations.
With certifications from Western Michigan University and Wayne State University, Fuller embodies the commitment and expertise essential for developing tomorrow’s educators. Through her leadership, Allegan Tech Center’s Teacher Education program provides students with the skills and support to succeed as future teachers and leaders in the community.