Currently in her 4th year of teaching

All four years have been as an Instructional Specialist/Special Education teacher

Chose a guiding word early in life: “Passion”

Torn between two career paths, but followed the one she felt most passionate about

Always felt drawn to special education

“If I became a teacher, I knew it would be in special education.”

Core beliefs stayed the same, but they’ve become more focused

As a student teacher, she believed:

• Every student deserves a quality education

• Building relationships matters

Still believes in those two pillars today

Have patience

Start each day fresh

These two things are game changers, especially with students who have behavioral challenges

Loves inclusion when it’s the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Biggest concern: state assessments

• Students use accommodations all year, but lose them during tests

• “They expect low readers to read 3 large passages independently... it does not make any sense to me.”

Would’ve chosen something in the medical field, possibly radiology

Loved anatomy and even tutored nursing students in college

“I was stuck between teaching and becoming a radiologist.”

There’s a lot of negativity in education, but it’s all about who you surround yourself with

“There are tons of positive and amazing things happening in education right now!”

Advice: stay around positive people and create your own experience