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When Ms. Farrell first set out into the world after college, teaching was never part of her plan. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” she admits with a laugh. After studying international relations at Boston University, she wanted to travel, and that’s what led her to teaching and enjoy being in a classroom. 

Fresh out of college, Ms. Farrell accepted a volunteer teaching position at an elementary school in Antofagasta, Chile, which is a desert city on the country’s northern coast. “I started teaching as a way to travel,” she recalls. “But I just really enjoyed it. It was interesting, challenging, and fun. I felt like I was always learning and growing.”

That year abroad, in Chile, would shape the rest of her career. When she returned to California, she earned her teaching credentials at San Francisco State University and that’s when she began her life as an educator. 

Ms. Farrell’s path led her to San Rafael High School, where she now teaches history and teaches the Educator academy, a CTE pathway designed to inspire students to become teachers, or to work in the education field. Along with Link Crew, a leadership program that helps incoming freshmen to transition to high school. 

“I wanted a new challenge,” she says. “Teaching can be easy to repeat year after year, but I work better when I’m taking on something new and engaging. The Educator Pathway really spoke to me because it’s about creating opportunities for our students to become educators themselves.”

Ms. Farrell helped launch the program three years ago, helping to guide students through classwork and hands-on experience working in local elementary schools. The process hasn’t been without stress. “Anytime you build something new, it’s hard,” she says. “Developing new courses, coordinating field trips, managing practicum placements, all of that takes time. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.” 

Colleagues praise her dedication. Brandon Johnson, who is director of Educator Diversity, and part of the Educator Academy, although he doesn’t work at SRHS, he contributes to the Educator Academy. He does this by helping out with funding for the academy. He described her as “a systems thinker who cares deeply about relationships” and someone who “does it all with joy and the highest level of care for her students.”  

Ms. Farrell’s colleagues say her calm presence and sense of humor stand out the most. ”She’s great at staying calm under pressure,” says Ms. Verheecke, who teaches history and leads the Link Crew at SRHS. “And she’s so funny! She can make me laugh so hard sometimes, I don’t know if everyone gets to see that side of her like I do.” Most people don’t get to see that side of hers because she is “organized and professional” and might stay close and personal with those she feels most comfortable with. 

What really defines her is her work ethic. “It would actually be harder for me to name a time when she didn’t go above and beyond,” Mr. Johnson says. “She’s always on the lookout for new opportunities for her students.” 

For Ms. Farrell, the most meaningful part of teaching is relationships. Between the teachers and students, between students and each other, and between schools and the community. “In teaching, we often get stuck in our classrooms,” she says. “Link Crew and the Educator Academy give us a chance to build a stronger school community, to make sure everyone feels a sense of belonging.” 

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Farrell is also a mother. Balancing work and family can be challenging, and is no small task. “I don’t do it alone,” she says. “My husband’s support and flexibility make it possible. And there’s some flexibility in teaching, I can grade after my kids go to bed or on the weekends. It’s a juggle, but it works.” 

Her children, who attend local schools, even interact with San Rafael High students through the Educator Academy’s elementary partnerships. “It’s cool for them to see high schoolers as role models,” she says. “They love when the high school band or our students visit their school.” 

As the Educator Academy continues to grow, Ms. Farrell hopes it will inspire more students to see themselves as future teachers, or to at least understand what education can offer. “When I started, I kept thinking, ‘Who am I going to make into a teacher?’” she says. “Now I think more about helping students explore what they want to pursue. Whether or not they become educators, I want them to see the value in what we do.”

Elizabeth Lopez, a senior at SRHS who attends the Educator Academy, says “Ms. Farrell, to me, is a very nice and fitting teacher. Since I’ve joined the class I’ve felt like I’ve been exposed to many new opportunities.” She proceeds to say that Ms. Farrell has been a part of her journey in exploring the educator’s path. Whether it’s simple assignments, or having speakers from programs/organizations, and being able to help students on Wednesday’s. “I can definitely say that Ms. Farrell is an amazing guiding teacher who gives you support when you need it, but also lets you navigate the path to gain new experiences.”

Ms. Farrell’s vision goes way beyond her own classroom walls. “If we can get more teachers who know our community and reflect our students’ identities, it’s going to empower everyone,” she says. “That’s how we build equity and real connection.” 

It’s the sense of purpose of doing hard things that matter, and that is what guides everything Ms. Farrell does. “Teaching isn’t easy,” she says. “But it’s meaningful. It’s about constantly learning, constantly growing, and helping others do the same. And that’s something I’ll never get tired of.” 

At San Rafael High, Ms. Farrell’s work goes far beyond teaching history. Through her patience, and humor in the community, she’s not only shaping the future for her students, but the future of education itself.