“Being a part of a cohort is one of the best parts because you're not alone in your program… there is always someone to help support or guide you through the challenges and successes you encounter.”

Hometown

Oʻahu, HI

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd, Early Childhood & Early Childhood SPED

*Please note degree program is the BEd in Early Childhood/Early Childhood SPED, rather than the Exceptional Students & Elementary Education (ESEE) as initially posted

Where do you work?
I work at Lāna’i High and Elementary School in a PreK fully self-contained SPED classroom.

How did you become interested in the field of education?
It’s been my childhood dream to be a teacher, though I lost sight of it after having my sons. Life ultimately brought me back to my dream when I began working in the school setting at Lānaʻi High and Elementary. Being around children with special needs and supporting their growth in all areas resparked my desire to be a teacher.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue this career field?
I had a few amazing teachers throughout my school career who inspired me to want to be a teacher due to the way they always made me feel in their classroom – accepted, understood, respected, and most importantly, they created an environment where I loved learning.

Why did you choose to pursue the Early Childhood/Early Childhood SPED Program?
I choose to pursue this program because it would give me the option to be licensed in both general education and SPED. Though my preferred area is SPED with a focus on PreK and kindergarten, having the dual licensure allows me options if my teaching choice changes in the future.

What has been your favorite course or lesson you’ve learned so far?
Overall, I have learned so many beneficial teaching skills in this program. Just last week, I learned in my communication class a very interesting bit of information about power cards which are a type of social support for students who need additional support to complete a task. I’ve really enjoyed the information I have gained from a large majority of my courses during this program, including the large array of resources.

What’s been the best part about your classroom field experience?
Everything! Being able to be in the classroom and experience the ins and outs of daily teaching, experiencing and using a variety of supports in SPED, and writing an IEP to name a few.

How is being a part of a cohort impacting your experience in the program?
Being a part of a cohort is one of the best parts because you’re not alone in your program. You have friends who are going through the same courses, assignments, and stress, so there is always someone to help support or guide you through the challenges and successes you encounter.

Would you recommend this program to others?
Absolutely!!! The convenience of everything – having the program mapped out for you, being able to live on another island and still earn my degree, the evening classes allowing me to work/tend to my children are just a few reasons why I love this program.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing the program?
Do it! Do not let fear of the unknown hold you back! The UH COE program has so many knowledgeable staff members and professors who are here to support you throughout your entire program.

What are your career plans?
I plan to teach SPED PreK and kindergarten.

Why is recruiting students locally important, and how does having a (statewide/campus-based) program support you, your school, and/or your community?
It is so important to recruit students locally on Lāna’i because we are deeply affected by the teacher shortage due to our small population and we are in need desperately for a well-rounded teaching community full of teachers who are aware of our unique community. Our keiki need teachers they can depend on being here for the long haul and supporting their growth.

Anything else you would like to share with us?
If it wasn’t for UH Mānoa’s College of Education programs, I would have never been able to follow my dreams, and I am forever thankful for their accommodating programs.