"I know so many people did not have the same experience loving school, and hope to bring that to every student in my classroom."

Hometown

Honolulu, HI.

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED) Initial License

Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?

I wanted to become a teacher because I had so many wonderful experiences growing up going to HIDOE schools. I always loved school. I know so many people did not have the same experience loving school, and hope to bring that to every student in my classroom. I believe that education can change lives especially literacy. If you can read you can learn anything and become anything that you want to be. I hope.I am the teacher that I had growing up that always believed in me to chase my dreams.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

Two years ago in my fifth year of teaching I had my hardest class. I became a teacher to help every student and had a particular student that needed extra support. I tried my best to support that student. He was in my classroom in inclusion. The next year, I watched him go into an ILC program and it broke my heart. I want to know I am doing what is best for my students, and I think by getting this certification I can learn more. I think being licensed in special education will help all of my students, but especially those that need extra support. People say that a teacher can change a child’s life, but that child changed mine.

I have also seen at my school a rotating door of special education teachers or teachers without certification teaching special education. All students deserve a high quality teacher, but students with special needs need qualified teachers. In the future, I hope I can be that for my future students.