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! 

 

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!

 

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.

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.