"After substituting in different classrooms, I left each day feeling inspired and that my job mattered. I wanted to do more. I started looking into options to go back to school so I could be a certified teacher and spend time in one classroom."

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

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

I have been passionate about teaching for a long time. In my early college years, I was working at a restaurant creating training manuals and programs to train new employees. I then moved abroad and was teaching yoga teacher trainings and helping people pursue their dreams of becoming yoga teachers. It was when I returned, I started to substitute in different classrooms in Haleiwa. I loved it. I left each day feeling inspired and that my job mattered. I wanted to do more. I started looking into options to go back to school so I could be a certified teacher and spend time in one classroom.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

Working in special education can be challenging, but so rewarding. Individualized education plans allow us to focus on the specific needs that will help that student succeed.

Why do you feel it is important to have diversity in the classroom?

Embracing diversity cultivates wisdom, compassion and unity. When student’s from an array of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences learn together, they gain an enriched worldview.