Student spotlight: Aubree Kline

Aubree Kline is a UAA Bachelor of Arts student and the first UAA graduate to obtain her degree through the Strategic Use of Nationally Registered Apprenticeships for Educators program — or SUNRAE. 

The Northern Light spoke with Kline who said her interest in teaching began in 2006. However, when she became a single mother to her oldest daughter, Myleigh Sambrano, she put her teaching dreams on hold.

When Sambrano started attending preschool, Kline became a substitute teacher. She said she fell back in love with instructing and continued to teach as a substitute and teacher’s aid. 

Kline said she wanted to get her master’s in early childhood education, but the cost was too high. 

Last summer, she applied for SUNRAE. 

After she was accepted into the program, Kline said, “I was overwhelmed at first. 

“It felt like we were flying a plane as we were building it. It is still new,” she said. 

She said that, overall, her biggest stressor was her classes, as she has ample support and cost was no longer a concern. 

For those who are interested in teaching, Kline said, “Connect with your community and start as a substitute. There is a lot of support for aspiring teachers.” 

She said one of the biggest lessons she learned through SUNRAE was how to make the classroom more culturally responsive. 

While Kline took time off, she came back to her dream. As a mother of three daughters, Myleigh, Neveah and Carter, she said it was a long journey but there is always a way to get what you want.

Kline is set to walk the graduation stage on May 3.