# data[].attributes.body
I am an undergrad in the Childhood Ed program. I have one more semester until student teaching.. One of my favorite things i have learned about through my fieldwork experiences thus far is the chance to build relationships with students in the classroom. You have the opportunity to connect and hopefully make a difference in their lives in a positive way. I enjoy the human aspect of teaching and the connections you get to build with your students. I have been in 1st grade and 3rd grade classrooms so far. I am really looking forward to this class as I am interested in possibly pursing my masters in special education.
A few things about me: I have a dog named Lola. I like to do yoga and exercise in my free time.
- Alex

# data[].attributes.body
I am in my final semester as a graduate student pursuing my MSEd in Elementary Ed (1-6). One of the reasons I decided to go to Hunter and choose the daytime, full time track was because of the opportunity to be in the classrooms from the very beginning. This has allowed me to fully understand what it is like to be a teacher, day in and day out. My student teaching has taken place at PS 198. Last school year I was placed in a first grade, gifted and talented classroom. This school year I was placed in a fourth grade, ICT classroom. Fortunately, in December, I was offered the opportunity to take over for one of the teachers going on maternity leave. I am currently the second teacher in a second grade, ICT classroom. I have been learning so much and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I am looking forward to this class because I have always had a passion for working with students with special needs. When I graduate, my goal is to obtain my special ed certification. I hope that whatever I learn this semester, I can put into practice for the ICT classroom I am currently in, and all my future classrooms.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi all! My name is Carly and I am pursuing my MSEd in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6). I am in my second semester of the program and loving it so far. I am originally from Chicago and I have been in NYC for 6 years. I do not have a teaching background as I worked in Media/Advertising/Tech for about 8 years after college, and after much "soul searching" decided to take the leap and completely start over in another career. I currently nanny for a child who is in kindergarten and has some social and behavioral issues so I am learning a lot to prepare me in my future career. I am especially looking forward to this class as my brother-in-law has down's syndrome so this subject is something I'm passionate about. I did my undergrad at University of Kansas and in my free time I like to travel, take fitness classes, and try out new restaurants around the city with friends.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a BA MA student in the Earth science education course. I did not come to decision to become a teacher as soon as I started going to college. I had to switch my manager twice before I realized that teaching is what I want to do. I want to be able to connect with people on a daily basis and help them learn and achieve their goals in life. I hopefully I will graduate by spring 2022 and start my career as an educator. On my free time I enjoy staying physically active like going to the gym.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Perry and I am a graduate student here at Hunter, pursuing the dual certification in GenEd and SPED grades 1-6. I graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in exercise science and worked in that field for a few months until I realized I wanted to teach. I am currently not teaching at the moment, but before I started Hunter I worked at the Rebecca School for 2 1/2 years.
I am looking forward to learning more about inclusive education. I personally have never taught in an inclusive classroom but I have been taught, have friends who teach in ICT, and have observed in an inclusive classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! My name's Tiffany and I'm currently a senior majoring in English and Childhood Education at Hunter College. One of the biggest reasons why I  decided to become a teacher is because of all the teachers and professors I have had in the past who've showed how much passion for teaching and their students. I've mostly built great relationships with my English teachers growing and teaching literacy to kids is one of my biggest aspirations. In the future, I would really love to teach English abroad, especially in my family's home country, the Philippines. (Fun Fact: I'm in the Philippines for my sister's wedding right now)

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Kelly and I am entering my second semester as a graduate student in the Dance Education program. I currently work at Merricats Castle School and absolutely love it there while also teaching dance classes in a few different studios. I also have been volunteering at my alma mater for the past 6 years by choreographing the annual spring musical. I have always had a passion for dance and movement. I began studying different techniques at the age of 5. I studied jazz, tap, ballet, modern and hiphop. I graduated from LaGuardia Performing Arts high school and then received my bachelors from FIT. I started teaching dance at the studio where I began my training during my high school years and haven’t stopped since, it’s been about a decade. I have had plenty of jobs since the age of 14, but the only job that has never felt like work to me has been teaching dance and working with children. It has brought so much joy to my life. It is such a gratifying feeling knowing that I am making a difference in my students’ lives and that very soon I will be able to help more students who may not have the means or support to receive a great dance education that will allow them to express themselves freely and gain confidence. I am excited about this course and being able to deepen my knowledge to become the best teacher I can be!

Fun Fact:
I'm super crazy dog mom and my fur baby's name is Monkey!

# data[].attributes.body
I live on Long Island and commute to Hunter for my in person classes. I  am entering my second semester of graduate school. I studied education in my undergraduate years at University at Buffalo. I am excited to be continuing my education in graduate school. This program has been eye opening for me and every course I take I learn a different aspect of what it means to be a successful teacher. Currently, I am an assistant teacher at a special education school. I have been working there for almost 2 years. The students range from ages 9-21 and it is a very small private school. I love what I do and every day is a new experience for me as well as a chance to learn something new. I love working with students in both general education and special education. I am excited to learn about inclusive education! I have never taught in a class that has both general and special education students. I look forward to taking this course.

# data[].attributes.body
Hey everyone, my name is Samantha Lynn but you can call me Sam. I'm currently in my second semester at Hunter College pursuing my Masters in Visual Arts Education. I am really enjoying the experience of the program so far. Before Hunter, I earned a degree in Illustration at SVA in Manhattan. I enjoy quilting, coffee, the beach, and hanging out with my dog Debbie (pictured below). My mom has taught special education students her whole life so though I don't have much experience or training in that area, I am excited to learn more.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Sunny Lawrence, and I'm in my second semester of the master's program at Hunter, pursuing dual certification in General Education and Special Education for grades 1-6. I have been working with kids in various roles (as a camp counselor, classroom aide, etc) for six years and am currently in my second year as a classroom teacher at a private preschool. With my certification, I hope to teach public elementary school, ideally in an inclusive classroom!
I am a native New Yorker living in Brooklyn. When I'm not teaching or in class, I volunteer at a feminist bookstore, swim in the Hunter pool, and go running in Prospect Park.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Helim and I am an undergraduate student studying Childhood Education and History.
Every since I was in elementary school, I was inspired by my second grade teacher to become a teacher just like them. Because I moved to the States in first grade, I had trouble getting used to the new environment. However, my teachers have helped me in every way and supported all aspects of my education. I have noticed how important teachers are for growing children.
Two summers ago, I had the chance  to work at Sunrise Day Camp which is a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. With this opportunity, I have learned about the different attention that is needed for every children, whether medical or behavioral. My experiences have further my interest in working with children and hopes of pursuing my masters in Special Education or ESL.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone. My name is Alexandra Pannuto, and I am starting my second semester here at Hunter College. The past academic year, I decided to take a year off of school to work and travel! During that time, I lived in Connecticut with my family. I saved up all my money by working two jobs and was able to travel through Italy for two weeks with my cousin, the Dominican Republic for another two weeks with one of my best friends, and then a solo trip to Uganda for almost two months. Rest assured, after all the traveling, I STILL wanted to come back to school.

I attended Dominican College for two years prior to my little sabbatical - from the fall of 2016 until the spring of 2018 - where I was on the softball team. At the time, I was pursuing my degree in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Mathematics. After my traveling endeavors and my acceptance into Hunter College, I decided to switch my concentration to English, as I began to fall in love with not only the language itself, but the opportunity it presented people in my many experiences of working with and meeting others who either are learning English for the first time, or use it as an alternative language, apart from their native tongue. This is what inspired me to pursue a career as an ESL teacher! Although Hunter College does not provide an undergraduate program for ESL, I am planning to get my masters in their ESL graduate program after my remaining 3 semesters of undergraduate work.

I have a small amount of experience with teaching, and a smaller window of teaching students in an inclusive classroom. I spent my senior year of high school in a BOCES Career and Technical Center for Education, where I learned various teaching techniques, learned about behavioral, mental, and physical attributes of students, and was able to observe several classrooms of children - ranging from nursery to middle school. In my time in Uganda, I taught English at a juvenile detention center to children who ranged from a total understanding of the English language, to no knowledge of how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet.

I'm confident that I will be learning how to accommodate to learners from all walks of life in this class, and I can't wait to learn more about inclusive classrooms and how to properly apply these tools not only in the classroom, but as well as in my every day walk of life!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! My name is Claudia Messina. I was born and raised in New York City and can not picture myself living anywhere else. I am currently a graduate student in the Dance Education program at Hunter. Last year I graduated from The New School with a Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Dance and Psychology. My passion for dance began when I was eight years old and my school implemented a dance program after dismissal. At this age I began to embark on movement explorations and forms of expression that I did not know were even possible. I furthered my training by attending a performing arts high school where I could not only be educated academically but artistically as well.

My high school arts education as well as programs I was enrolled in throughout college where we taught dance to inner city youth is part of the reason why I want to be a dance teacher in NYC. While teaching in these programs I was given the opportunity to work with kids from all backgrounds. Some of these kids had learning disabilities, emotional troubles from their home life, and insecurities about themselves. Brining them the resources to dance allowed them to be free from anything that they felt was holding them back or what others had said were holding them back. In my future classroom, I want it to be a no limits and no judgment environment. In this course I hope to learn how to facilitate a more inclusive classroom. I am excited to learn from others as well as add more skills to my toolbox that can be beneficial in helping my future students.

# data[].attributes.body
Currently I am an undergraduate majoring in mathematics and adolescent education. This is currently my third year at Hunter and I am on track to begin my student teaching in Spring 2021. I have wanted to become a teacher due to my love for tutoring and teaching people how to learn math. I have taken a few education classes before and have completed some fieldwork and am excited to continue observations and eventually student teaching. I plan in the future to go for my masters and take up a teaching job and help educate the next generation of students. I also look forward to learn more about this class.

# data[].attributes.body
I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Childhood Education and Psychology. I have always loved working with children. I have been working with and teaching students since I was in high school because I was fortunate enough to get a job at the Kumon Learning Center. Kumon is a math and reading learning program for kids aged three until high school. I still work there and, although it can be difficult to balance work, school, and personal life, I have had the pleasure of working with and seeing so many students grow.  I have seen and helped students go from not being able to read a single word to being able to read chapter books. This is the most rewarding feeling, which is the reason why I am still there. I look forward to learning in this class because I know it will help me work better with students at my job and onward in my own classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Avandra and I am currently in my last semester (Student Teaching) in the Childhood Education 1-6 Cohort Track. I have been working with kids for the last 5 years and have an undergraduate degree in Psychology also completed at Hunter College. My ultimate goal from this course is to better understand the needs of students and how I, as a teacher, can provide an inclusive environment for all students while supporting every student with their individual needs.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, everyone, I'm Qiulin Wang. I'm currently an undergraduate student at Hunter College and I'm in the BA / MA Math Adolescent Education program. This is my fourth year at Hunter. I'll begin my student teaching next year spring. Becoming a teacher is what I always want and aspire to. At first, although I'm certain about my future career, I wasn't sure which content area I should choose. I was struggling between math and history. Eventually I decided to focus on math.

I've taken several education courses at Hunter in the past semesters. They have been very helpful in building my understanding for being a teacher and prepare myself to become a better teacher. I look forward to learn more in this class.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! I’m currently an undergraduate student majoring in Childhood Education and Urban Studies. I love everything about working with kids and it took me awhile to realize that my passion is teaching. I have worked at a couple summer camps and have spent a lot of time babysitting my cousins. I am currently working in a STEM after school program teaching two after school classes and helping to prep program materials. I am thinking about doing my master’s in special education, so I am extremely excited about this course and the content we will be learning.

# data[].attributes.body
It is my second semester here at Hunter. I’m in the childhood special education dual cert. program: students with learning disabilities. Prior to Hunter, I attained my bachelors in Sport Management in 2015 and worked at a physical therapy office and a gym as a personal trainer, helping patients recover from injuries. Two years ago, I began coaching soccer at a private school in the city and a few months later was asked to substitute (grades 3-5). I substituted the rest of the year and realized my passion for teaching. I was offered a full-time position over the summer as a pre-k assistant teacher from the same school I was substituting at.

So far I am loving the experience and am eager to learn what it takes to be the best teacher possible for these students. I enjoy creating a supportive environment for students where they can be creative, lead, and succeed. I hope to use some of the things that I learn in this course and apply it in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
I am completing the final couseequirement for my Masters in Early Childhood Education. I attended undergrad at Hampton University. I have worked full time in university administration for the past 5 years, but am considering going back into the classroom this September.I look forward to participating in this class.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, my name is Christy. I am an undergraduate at Hunter college majoring in Developmental Psychology and Childhood education.  Prior to Hunter, I attended Lehman college for 2 years with the hopes of pursuing a degree in Chemistry to become a pharmacist.  However, I soon realized that no matter how hard I had tried to convince myself I was pursuing a career for the wrong reasons.  Teaching was always something that I had in the back of my mind, but was too scared to pursue.  Ever since elementary school, I took every opportunity to stay back during lunch to help grade, tutor others and hand out paper for the teacher.  I was always happiest knowing that I could help someone better understand the material and concepts.  As I began to switch majors, I became hesitant to tell my family and friends because of their preconceived ideas.  But despite their warnings I followed through and I have to say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I love seeing students interact and enjoy learning; and there’s nothing better than seeing their eyes light up when they’ve learned something new!

# data[].attributes.body
I'm Nayeli and I am an undergraduate student majoring in Math and Childhood Education. I am very passionate about both math and education. I'm really looking forward to teaching (especially math). I am planning to go for my masters as well but I'm still not sure whether to go for math, education, or both again.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm a grad student at Hunter pursuing my Masters in Visual Arts Education. I received my undergrad in Art History from SUNY New Paltz and post-bacc certification in Art Conservation in Italy back in 2008/09. Worked in art galleries for a number of years then began teaching after school art classes. I eventually made the full switch to teaching art and decided in Fall 2018 to go back to school to become a certified Art teacher. I am also very interested in art therapy and using therapeutic approaches to teaching art. I have taught students on the spectrum in the past and am currently teaching one student who is non verbal autistic. He is 9 years old, has very limited speech (he'll say yes/no and random things on occasion), and is an excellent artist. Excited for this course and learning how to better teach my students on the spectrum. :)

# data[].attributes.body
I'm currently pursuing my Chemistry Adolescent Education Masters. I'm 22, so I don't really have definitive answers for where my life is going. I went into college wanting to be a doctor, but hated pre-med. I realized I love NYC youth, I was one not long ago and I met so many cool kids back in my day ;). I feel excited to be a part of the lives of the next generation of New Yorkers, setting them up for the best version of themselves and all that good jazz, like my teachers did for me. I currently teach Chem at a charter school in Brooklyn and I really have been enjoying it. Of course, there are hard days but the good ones always make it worth it. If I stay in education I would work towards eventually becoming the chancellor of the NYCDOE. Lots to fix! I know it from first hand experience. Some might think ambitious, I say passionate.

# data[].attributes.body
I am currently in the dual program for special and elementary education, on the Behavior Disorders track. I selected this path because I majored in Psychology at Binghamton University where I did my undergrad and I absolutely loved learning that content specifically. I picked up a minor in education while I was there and although I had every intention of just doing that for the credits I decided very early on in those classes that I wanted to be a teacher. Truthfully, I think that I have wanted to become a teacher since I was young enough to play school; it just took a long time for me to realize that I could just as easily be a catalyst for transformation in a teaching position as I could be practicing psychology. After graduating from college, I reached out to the principal of my old elementary school and asked if I could volunteer at the school to get some experience and she nominated me to become a substitute teacher and after volunteering for three months in every different grade level, general classrooms, ICT classrooms and self-contained classrooms, I became a substitute and was given the opportunity to cover for a maternity leave. The class that I was assigned to was a second grade ESL classroom where all of the students’ first language was Spanish and I speak no Spanish at all so that was definitely a challenge but we got through it. For months I was the only teacher for these students and I knew that they needed me to rapidly adjust to teaching and I did not take that responsibility lightly. In the process, I learned so much about myself and about teaching. I am substitute teaching again this year and have been fortunate enough to be called daily so I am getting a lot of experience but I know that there is still so much that I don’t know so I am looking forward to learning more!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello, fellow classmates. My name is Danielle and I am a Graduate student in the Childhood Education Department, Track 1, studying in the evenings. During the day, I am a Writer and Producer working in Preschool Television. I am also a mom of 3 1/2 year old twins.

I have always been interested in teaching. When I was a child, my favorite game was “playing school.” I had my own classroom, chalkboard, “good job” scratch and sniff stickers – the works. When I began my undergraduate studies, I planned to double major in theatre and education, but instead focused on theatre, with plans to return for my Master’s. In time I realized that I wanted to work and create more steadily and that I had a passion for family entertainment, which is how I found my way to Preschool Entertainment.

All during my 20’s and 30’s I thought about returning to school, but for some reason, just didn’t do it. When my twins were born, the desire within me was reignited, and here I am. It would have been so much easier to do this prior to motherhood, but I am here and fully committed to completing my Master’s not only for myself but for my own children.

This has all been wonderfully serendipitous! I’m happy so say that my educational studies have been informing my work and it’s been amazing to see how what I’m learning influences my own children at home. Teaching and parenting are amazingly similar.

As my children enter the school system, I know so much more about curriculum and I feel empowered to make better choices regarding their placement.

I look forward to a great semester.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Elizabeth Skeoch and I am beginning my third semester of the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education masters program.  I have danced all of my life and have been teaching dance since I was 15.  I attended Queens College for my undergraduate degree in Dance and Theatre.  Teaching dance has always been my passion and as I look back on my many years in the field I realize that for as long as I can remember, I have been the one with the patience and skill for dealing with the students that struggle with not listening, wiggling around just a little too much and who needed a little more help when learning a step.  7 years ago I began the journey of working as a special education paraprofessional in an arts based pre-k thru 8th grade setting.  My introduction to special education was not for the faint of heart as I was a one on one crisis paraprofessonal in an 8th grade self contained classroom.  I've had more on the job, in the moment training than I ever thought was possible. I have also watched students struggle in their classrooms with work and feel completely frustrated and upset, and then walk into the dance studio in our school and watch them thrive, feel confident and be proud of themselves. I never realized how arts education and special education go hand in hand, if used the right way. I decided to go the arts education route so that I could offer the opportunity to feel positive for as many students that I can. I am looking forward to this class and acquiring more tools that will help me with my career both present and future!!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! I'm currently a senior here at Hunter (yay). I am double majoring in Childhood education and sociology. My journey as an undergraduate student has not been easy, but it is definitely worth it. During my freshman year of college, I declared a major of studying biotech. After a year of studying within that declared major I figured that I did not declare it for the right reasons. It was something I was not passionate about nor saw myself enjoying a job in that particular field. Fast forward to my sophomore year, I eventually remembered that I always wanted to be a teacher when I was younger but got side tracked from that dream once people told me "teachers work so much but do not get paid what they deserve". I later realized it was not about the money or what others thought, I enjoyed helping children that come from troubled backgrounds just like I did. Now I am currently taking 6 classes and it is very overwhelming but I know that I can get through it because I am one step closer to graduation.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm Erica Gifford and this is my 3rd semester at Hunter. I studied Civil Engineering for 4 years in Arizona but then transferred to UCF and switched to Political Science before graduating. I ended up back in Arizona and worked in the Engineering field for 10 years. After not working for a year, I got a job as an aide at a public charter school. I ended up loving it, 1st grade especially) and have been teaching ever since. I taught 1st grade for 6 years and am currently teaching 4th grade. It's very different but very interesting. I'm taking 3 classes this semester which is making me nervous but I'm hoping this will balance out future semesters. Excited to learn more about inclusion, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone. My name is Michael. This is my last semester before I go into student teaching (Undergrad). I am a History Adolescent Education major. I am very passionate about history especially U.S history and anything in the 20th century. I am really looking forward to teaching as I feel it is the best possible way to express my passion. Last semester I doubled up observations at both LIC high school in Queens and LaGuardia High School in Manhattan. This semester I am taking it slower (I only have one observation to do this semester). I am looking forward to a great semester.

# data[].attributes.body
this is my final semester in hunter college, i doubled major in english language art. i moved here 12 years ago from seoul, Korea. I didn't know what i wanted to be when i first graduated high school, so there i was trying different majors within college. then i realized only thing i am passionate about was to teach people. Korean is my native language, and i hope to apply for grad school for special education in hope to guide students who need help. i am taking EDTPA  this semester and i really hope it goes well. good luck to all of us and i am excited for this class

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Reyna and I am entering my second semester as a graduate student in the Dance Education program. I have always been extremely passionate about both dancing and teaching. I grew up studying dance my entire life, but I always wanted to be a teacher. I was born and raised in near Philadephia and I earned my BA in Dance at the University of Maryland (go Terps!!). When entering my undergrad journey I fully intended to double major in dance and special education, but eventually I focused my energy completely into dance. I was always worried that being a dancer could never be a practical career, until I was introduced to the world of public school dance education, the perfect combination of my two greatest passions. I am so excited to be here pursuing my dreams at Hunter in this next phase of my life, and I cannot wait until I am officially teaching full time.

Last year (my first year out of college) I was a long term substitute teacher teaching dance in a public performing arts middle school in Maryland for the first half of the school year. I absolutely loved my experience, and began applying to graduate school after a month of teaching. During this time I had a variety of challenging students with various accommodations, but I always made it my mission to make sure my classroom was an inclusive learning space where everyone could succeed. I am extremely passionate about the world of special education and creating inclusive classrooms. I am so excited to learn even more throughout this course, and to take this knowledge into my career.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello there! My name is Emily. I am currently starting my second semester of the Visual Arts Education masters program. I have my undergraduate BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I lived in Chicago for eight years freelancing as an artist before moving back to the east coast (originally hailing from RI).  I did all kinds of maker jobs including prop and set construction for theatre, commercial photo styling, and assisting a leather artist with large scale wall installations. I really took to leatherwork and eventually studied with a saddlemaker and a cowboyboot maker, going on to make shoes! I started teaching shoemaking and leatherwork. I did a short stint in the coorporate footwear industry before realizing that my passion really lay in making and teaching people to use their hands.
I am really interested to learn about the role of special education in introducing students to the power of self expression through the arts, and also to the development of motor skills and feeling connected with the creative potential of one's hands.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Linghong Ren. I am in Hunter's Chinese Adolescent Master program. I also finished my undergraduate degree at Hunter. Chinese is my native language, and I am interested in teaching it to more people. This is my third semester, and I am planning on taking EAS exam soon. As a teacher candidate, I know it is important to take different student's situations into account, and differentiate instructions to make all students inclusive in the my classroom. I am looking forward to learn more about special education, as I am expeciting to have students needed special education in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my second semester back at Hunter to finish up my Masters.  I stopped 10 years ago and over the summer decided I needed to come back and finish.  I've been working in Media Advertising and it really was never right for me.  I just transitioned to working from home full time so I could concentrate more on finishing up school.
Being back at school in the Fall and doing classroom observations gave me something to be excited about again.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my second semester here at Hunter and I am a Dance Education major. I am an immigrant from the Dominican Republic and was raised in the Bronx. I currently work for a company called KinderDance where I get the opportunity to work with all kinds of students, many of which are special needs students. I  have a non verbal autistic brother that I help care for and I truly understand first hand the constant worry and fear of trusting teachers to be able to properly educate and work with a student with disabilities.

I have worked with children ever since I can remember. I have worked for non profit organizations, camps, afterschool programs, dance studios, and I was also a nanny for a program called Melody Of Autism, which is where I was first exposed to children with disabilities outside of Autism. Teaching is my calling and dance is my passion and I feel truly fortunate to be able to combine them together.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Julianne Moore. It is my second semester here at Hunter. My background is in Sociology with a minor in Psychology which I studied at SUNY New Paltz. I graduated in May 2013 and after that, I still had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I had a random office job for a few years but eventually decided I needed a change. I decided to get experience working in a school to see if that is something I would like. At the time, I thought I maybe wanted to pursue school psychology, but quickly realized that that was not for me. I have now been a teacher aide in a Nassau BOCES school on Long Island for almost two years now. The population is 5-9 year olds with autism. I love it so much that it ultimately made me decide to pursue a degree in teaching! Before getting this job, I had been occasionally caring for a boy with autism for about 5 or 6 years. He is now 18 and I still care for him every once in a while, but that was my first experience caring for someone with special needs. Now I love getting to be able to be hands on in a classroom together with a group of kids. I love to see them interact with their teachers and each other and to grow and learn as individuals. I am currently doing the dual degree program for Childhood Education and Special Education and specializing in Behavior Disorders. I am excited for this course because when I was in 5th grade I was in an inclusion class and I always thought it was a great experience! Looking forward to learning more this semester :)

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Samantha Smith. I am currently in my second semester of Childhood Special Education: Behavior Disorders Dual Certification Program. I graduated from San Francisco State University with my bachelors degree in psychology in 2013. After college, I began working at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) company where I was first introduced to working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I fell in love with ABA and working with children on the spectrum. After moving to NYC, I began working at a charter school primarily for students with autism where we use an ABA approach to teach our students. My classroom currently has a few students who spend a portion of their day in inclusion, so I am excited to learn more about inclusive instruction!

# data[].attributes.body
I received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from SUNY Brockport in 2017 and I'm currently in my last semester at Hunter College in the Dance Education program (yay!). I currently teach dance full-time at an elementary school in East Harlem. It is my first year teaching full-time and everything they tell you is true, the highs are so high and the lows are oh so low, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I've always worked with children in some capacity; babysitting, as a camp counselor and as a dance teacher in many different settings. I previously taught dance classes at the 92nd St. Y right here in NYC and at the Garth Fagan Dance School in Rochester, NY. I attended a performing arts high school in Rochester, NY where my love for dance and eventually dance education blossomed. The teachers and access to the arts I had in high school really led me to finding my passion for teaching dance to students. I truly believe in the power of dance  and the arts in students' lives, in peoples' lives and in our world today. Through this course I hope to gain strategies to add to my teacher-tool kit in order to better understand and serve my students in the most effective and responsive way.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, I’m Jenny Liang. I got my bachelor’s degree on January 2019 at Hunter College. I studied English language arts and have taken adolescent education courses as an undergraduate as well. Although my career plans changed from becoming an adolescent education teacher to a childhood education teacher, my passion in helping my students thrive inside and outside of school did not change.

I’m currently a second semester graduate student in the Childhood Special Education: Learning Disabilities Dual Certification Program. I do not have much experience with special education but have done fieldwork in a second grade ICT class where I have watched the two teachers worked very well with each other in managing and teaching their students. I’m an afterschool program group leader for Chinese-American Planning Council at P.S.2 Meyer London for about four years and have taught students from grades 1-5. As of right now, I have a student who’s in fifth grade and is on a second grade level. The student has a learning disability and I hope that through my time here, as a graduate student in the Childhood Special Education program, it will enhance my knowledge of effective teaching strategies in meeting all students’ needs so that they can succeed academically and socially, and will prepare me to be a great educator.

I look forward to taking this course and learning from everyone!

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Chelsea Lopez and I am in my second semester of the dual Masters Childhood and Special education program, specializing in behavior disorders. I just came out of finishing my bachelors degree last April at the University of Pittsburgh, where I majored in History and minored in secondary education. I currently work as a a Toddler teacher for one to two year olds at a Bright Horizons center.
I knew I wanted to become a special education teacher after I spent a summer interning in Tel Aviv at a rehabilitation school. I worked with the students on completing daily tasks and worked with the PT’s and OT’s to implemented what the children needed in the classroom. I am looking forward to this class to learn how we can better advocate for all students.
In my free time, which is very little at the moment, I like to take my dog Zeus to central park and spend time exploring different parts of the city.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone! My name is Adina Knapp and I'm in my second semester of the Masters program in Adolescent Special Education. I graduated undergrad last May with a double major in psychology and music, but I always knew I wanted to go into education. Right now, I'm working in a Jewish school for kids grades 1-8 with language based learning disabilities. I work in the middle school helping out in advisory, math, writing, language arts, science and history classes and I really enjoy every minute of it. I'm also a piano teacher in my nonexistent free time, but I love it and wouldn't give it up for the world as it combines 2 of my favorite things, music and education.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Shelley Franklin. Lovely to meet everyone. I am starting my second semester towards a Master's in Dance Education (hi Alanna!) and loving every moment of it. I received a BFA in Theatre Performance from UT Arlington 10 years ago, then spent the next 5 years trying to figure out what to do with my life. I spent a year in Munich, Germany as an au pair to four young children, then had a myriad of jobs (swim teacher, guest choreographer at schools, substitute teacher, Gymboree play teacher, performed in many shows around North Texas including a year-long national tour with Dallas Children's Theater during which I met my husband! However nothing seemed to really.... stick.

I had been told from a very young age that I should be a teacher, due to my instincts to nurture and encourage those around me to achieve their goals. I find true joy in encouraging others, finding creative solutions, and pushing them to believe in themselves. However, after watching my mother's valiant yet Sisyphean task of teaching music in public schools for 25 years in a state not exactly known for its appreciation of the arts.... I didn't think I had it in me to endure such torture and still be able to be an impactful educator.

My husband (then boyfriend) Eric and I moved to NYC from Texas in 2015 hoping to find "our people." By a completely random act of luck, I found myself working for an incredible woman who's sole focus in life is to see a certified, well-trained dance teacher in every public school in America. If it were not for her, I would not have seen how powerful a supportive environment can be to help someone discover their purpose. I finally see what I've been trying to find for the last 10 years. I want to teach dance and theater in public schools, and I want to help prove to administrators why the arts are a NECESSITY for students to thrive. I haven't had much experience working with students with disabilities, apart from briefly subbing my sister's Behavioral SPED class during my undergrad, but I am excited at the opportunity to learn more about their needs and how to find creative solutions to support their equity in a diverse arts classroom! If you read all the way to the end of this, here is a picture of my cat Aberforth as a reward.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi all! My name is Christopher O'Sullivan and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Adolescent Special Education at Hunter. I graduated with my Bachelor's in Mathematics and Adolescent Education at St. Bonaventure University, which is a small college an hour south of Buffalo. After graduating with my license to teach Math 7-12, I accepted a summer position on Long Island at Hauppauge Middle School where I was able to teach Math 8. Once I moved back to Long Island, I wanted a change of scenery so decided to apply to the NYCDOE and my teaching journey has brought me to the Urban Assembly School of Business for Young Women, a tiny all-girls public school located in the Financial District that was founded in 2004 to spark girls' interest in the business field. One of the reasons I applied to my school was because I would be a department of 2! I teach Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra Lab and a section of Advisory. This is my second year at my school and have loved every minute of it!

I love my school so much that I moved to Park Slope to be closer to it! When I am not at work, I am typically exploring Brooklyn, doing yoga, going to math conferences, or trying to travel.

My most recent travels brought me to the Minnesota State Fair and Savannah, Georgia over the summer!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi there, my name is Alanna and I am a current graduate student here at Hunter College. Prior to diving back into school, I spent my time after graduating undergrad from Hofstra University in the corporate world. My undergraduate degree is in Dance performance and Public Relations. I worked for two PR agencies in the last five years however wasn't happy or fulfilled. I decided to make my dream a reality and go back to school to be come a full time dance educator. Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Having studied dance in my undergrad, I had the privilege of working with high-functioning disabled adults through a program Hofstra offered called AHRC. Once a week about 20 adults would come to Hofstra and I would co-teach them via dance movement. It was an absolute incredible experience to see how dance movement really allowed these disabled adults to open up and enjoy being creative and free.

I looking forward to grasping some wonderful knowledge through this SPED course that I can hopefully incorporate in my future dance classroom so any student regardless of their academic level can excel and feel empowered to dance.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Brandt and I'm in the dual program for elementary  and special education. I grew up in NYC so you can say I know the city like the back of my hand for the most part. I attending Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Ct, where I received my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies which was created for students planning on going into the elementary school field, and I was the first class to graduate with that major! I was suppose to stay at Quinnipiac for a 5th year to receive my masters in their MAT but decided being home was best for me and came to Hunter. I knew I always wanted to be a teacher and my decision for special ed came about 5 years ago when I was a camp counselor for a little girl with autism. I am currently working as an assistant teacher at a nursery school, running after school programs, and nannying two elementary school kids on Wednesday's. Although I want to work with grades 1-6, my 2 year olds at work now have shaped me over the last 5 months. Even though we aren't teaching them, they are learning through play and it amazes me how much they each grow in such a short period of time, both individually and as a group. When I'm not working or at school you can either find me with work friends, watching Netflix, or reading. I'm looking forward to everything that we will discuss throughout this course and apply it to my future as an elementary school teacher!

# data[].attributes.headline
Hello! This is Diane, your instructor. Feel free to add a photo, either of yourself or of something you want to share. You can even embed a video here! This is a photo my son took on a recent hike we took. Vermont is quite different from NYC!

# data[].attributes.subject
Hello! This is Diane, your instructor. Feel free to add a photo, either of yourself or of something you want to share. You can even embed a video here! This is a photo my son took on a recent hike we took. Vermont is quite different from NYC!

# data[].attributes.body
Hey, everyone, it is a pleasure to meet all of you! My name is Lestin Wilson, and I can not wait for what I will learn in this course! I did my undergrad at John Jay College. At first, I wanted to
become a lawyer, but life takes you different to show your true calling, and for me, that was
becoming a teacher. Now I am attaining my Masters in Child Special Education Behavioral
Disorder at Hunter, and I am excited to learn from this program! I do not have that many
hands-on experiences with students with special needs, but I hope with the knowledge I attain
from this course and overall from this program will help me become a great teacher for my
future students. I did, however, gain a few experiences by being a Teacher Assitant. I was a TA
for a College-level creative writing class at John Jay College, and I was a tutor for Public
Speaking at a children's community center.
When I was a Teacher Assitant at John Jay College, it was a great experience to see the
students expressing themselves through creative writing, where the student wrote their own
stories and poetry! Throughout the semester, it was indeed a privilege to know each student to
grow and becoming a phenomenal writer! I was grateful to see and help there growth. I had the
same experience when I was a tutor in Public Speaking. We helped the student who was
around the age of 14-16 and gave them the confidence and skills to speak publicly. It wasn't straightforward at first, but through patience and determination, I was able to see my students become
excellent public speakers.
Now I work with a nonprofit organization as an Afterschool Teacher at Eastside Middle School,
where I teach Creative Writing. Exploring Ethics, and Public Speaking. It is truly a great
experience to work with students and able to support their success. But I wanted to help more
students that need more assistance. That is why I enrolled in Child Special Education Behavior
Disorder Program so I can assist many students and bring success for them. Overall, I hope
this course can help me with my goal and allowing me to become a better teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! my name is Mara Loventhal. I am so excited to be earning my master's degree in the dual program of special education with a specialization in behavior disorders. I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in childhood education PK-4th grade. I am originally from New Jersey but was always planning to move NYC post graduation. My plan was to get a job as a teaching assistant and go to grad school part time. That plan had changed when I was hired as a head teacher, without my masters. I could not be more grateful for that opportunity and experience I never would have been given. I am currently the 4th grade head teacher at Alexander Robertson school. Last year, I was the head 3rd grade teacher. I was always planning to get my masters in general education. After given the opportunity that I was given, I realized that there is a lot more I would like to learn. Although my minor in college was special eduction, I wanted to learn more, for myself and my students. I was thrown in so many different directions my first year as a teacher, I could not figure out exactly what teacher I wanted to be. My student's have taught me more about myself over the last two years and have allowed me to make the decision to pursue my masters in special education. There is a whole other world out there that I have yet to experience, and I hope my studies in special education, allow me to discover that world. I am eager to learn the specific disabilities some children have and how I can incorporate these studies in my own classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, my name is Alexandra Vassiliou. I am an undergrad here at Hunter College and finishing up my last two semesters. My concentration is English and I aspire to become a professor. I enjoy reading all works of literature however, I love stories by Milton, Chaucer, Shakespeare, etc. My favorite book of all time is Paradise Lost. I currently work as a kickboxing instructor at ilovekickboxing and do at home tutoring as well. I am from Greece and enjoy visiting family and friends every summer. I enjoy traveling and trying out new things. Last semester I observed a middle school for the first time and I never thought I would love teaching and observing a middle school so much.  I always told myself I would teach high school and be on my way to teach college, however, the students changed my perspective and I am excited to kickstart my teaching career at a middle school next year!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello, my name is Danielle.

I studied Psychology at Barnard College, and until my junior year, I was pretty sure I wanted to go into clinical psychology. During the course of my studies, I took a class on Autism Spectrum Disorder that unintentionally focused on special education and sparked my interest in teaching. What stuck with me after that course was the lengths teachers would go to to find what worked for their students and their ability to meet their students where they were and to push them just far enough to achieve real growth. After undergrad, I began teaching in a Jewish school for students with language-based learning disabilities, where I was fascinated by the tension between cultural expectations and religious pressures. I currently work at the same school, where I teach middle school Math, Writing, and Language Arts. I have spent my past few summers working at a summer with an amazing inclusion program and taking professional development courses. When I'm not teaching, I like finding new books to read and bring to my students, explore the city, and watch really bad reality TV!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is JP Zendman. I graduated from Ithaca College in 2009 with a B.S. in Accounting. I stayed at Ithaca for a 5th year and earned my MBA in Professional Accountancy in 2010. Since graduation, I have been working in the accounting and business world in a few different industries. I have never been passionate about accounting - in fact, my fondest memories of accounting are the times I tutored underclassmen while I was in college. Between tutoring and working as a camp counselor over my college summers, my passion for teaching and working with kids was formed. Although I did not pursue this at the time, the seed had already been planted.

As you can see I am a career changer! In late August of 2019, I was lucky enough to secure an Assistant Teaching job at a prominent private school which focuses solely on students with Language based learning disabilities. I have loved every second so far and am so excited to continue to learn how I can help these students.