"As a special education teacher, I have an opportunity to make an impact on young people during a critical time in their lives by teaching them important life skills and providing guidance that will help shape their future."

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd in Special Education

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

My desire to become a teacher has always stemmed from my passion of working with children. I am so amazed at the individualized hard work and dedication that comes with each student. Their passion for learning constantly inspires me to want to help students to achieve their goals and desires beyond the classroom. I find it incredibly rewarding to see a student’s face light up when they finally understand a concept or have success in an area where they were struggling. Teaching provides me with an opportunity to make sure that all students are given the right tools and knowledge to achieve success in life.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

I am passionate about helping students learn and grow, both academically and personally. As a special education teacher, I have an opportunity to make an impact on young people during a critical time in their lives by teaching them important life skills and providing guidance that will help shape their future. I believe that education is a right, not a privilege, and I want to do my part in creating equal access to quality education for all students. Being a special education teacher allows me to become an advocate for those who are underserved and underrepresented in our educational system.

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

When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures present in the classroom, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It also teaches students how to use their own strengths and points of view to contribute in a diverse working environment. Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others. With the rise of globalization, it’s more important to be able to work with people from different cultures and social groups. If educators are exposed to diversity and learn cultural awareness in the classroom, it sets us up to flourish in the workforce.