"It has always been my childhood dream to be a special education teacher."

Department

Special Education

Natalia Sandoval, M.A. SpEd, NBCT is currently a Special Education Preschool Teacher at Waikīkī Elementary, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.  Over the course of her 24 year career, she has held various positions in the special education field including a paraprofessional for students with severe Autism, a Student Services Coordinator (SSC), and a K-6 Special Education Teacher.  For the past 5 years, Natalia has been an Adjunct Professor at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, in the College of Education, where she teaches special education introductory courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to aspiring General Education Teachers. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Chaminade University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix, and is a National Board Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist (ages birth to 22+). Natalia has a deep passion for changing the narratives surrounding special education and supporting families through their special education journey, and loves advocating for special education in Hawaiʻi.

Message to Teacher Candidate

Aloha and Welcome!

I’m Natalia Sandoval, and I’m thrilled to be your Cooperating Teacher this semester. With 17 years of dedicated service as a Special Education Teacher at Waikīkī Elementary School, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to my department, school, and community in diverse roles. These have ranged from being a K-6 Special Education Resource Teacher, a Student Service Coordinator, and a Department Head, to my current position as a Preschool Special Education Teacher. I’m proud to hold the title of National Board Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist (ages birth to 22+).

Nurturing and guiding the next generation of Special Education Teachers has become a true passion of mine. Alongside my teaching responsibilities at Waikīkī School, I also serve as an Adjunct Professor at Hawaiʻi Pacific University in the College of Education. Here, I have the privilege of instructing aspiring General Education Teachers in introductory special education courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. My journey has endowed me with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I am genuinely excited to share with you!

Looking forward to an enriching and collaborative semester together.

Warm regards,

Natalia Sandoval