Special Education Teacher Reconnects to Her Childhood Dream

Can you talk a bit about your background and what inspired you to be an educator?

For as long as I can remember, I thought I would pursue a business major in college. I eventually enrolled at Penn State and then Queens College, where I discovered my true passion for understanding people and received my bachelor’s degree in psychology. While working towards completing my degree, I had the opportunity to work in several amazing roles that shaped my perspective and expanded on my skills including strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.

Then, when COVID changed the world as we knew it, I found myself at a crossroads. My job was impacted, but in that moment of uncertainty, I saw this as an opportunity to truly reflect on what brings me joy. With time to explore, I reconnected with my childhood dream of becoming a teacher, and I knew I had to make it a reality. My inspiration to become an educator lies in the fact that every student has that one teacher who believes in them and who sees their potential, even when they might not see it themselves. I was fortunate to have that kind of teacher in my life, and now, I strive to be that type of inspiration for my students. Teaching isn't just a career, it's a calling. I feel incredibly grateful to be working as a special education teacher at P.S. 46 Alley Pond School in Queens, NY.

What does a day in the life as a Special Education Teacher in a 4th grade Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom in NYC look like?

Our classroom is an energetic, diverse space where students with a wide range of abilities, strengths, and challenges come together to learn. Some students need structured, multi-sensory approaches, while others thrive with visual support, movement breaks, or small-group instruction. Every lesson is thoughtfully planned and adapted to meet each child where they are, whether it’s through scaffolding in English Language Arts, which are instructional strategies used to provide additional support to students as they learn new concepts that is eventually removed as students become more competent; using hands-on manipulatives in math to ensure students can feel empowered when solving real world problems, and fostering social-emotional growth through discussions and modeling.

Teaching in an ICT classroom isn’t just about instructing lessons; it's about working alongside an experienced and compassionate co-teacher as we collaborate to ensure that every student receives the unique support they need to thrive.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role? What are some challenges you face and how do you navigate them?

The most rewarding part of being a special education teacher is the little moments. For example, when a struggling reader finally connects with the text, a student learns to advocate for themselves, or when they support a fellow classmate without prompting; these are just some aspects of being an educator that are deeply meaningful to me and serve as my motivation to keep pushing forward.

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve encountered is the process of mastering different teaching styles to ensure that every lesson is accessible and engaging for students with a wide range of abilities and needs. Balancing whole-group instruction with small-group interventions, providing individualized accommodations, and taking the time to have all students feel included can be complex, but I use it as an opportunity to get creative and be flexible in my teaching methods. The constant introduction of new innovative technology is another challenge. There are so many apps, portals, and platforms to navigate, and staying on top of it all while helping my students see the benefits from utilizing these tools can be overwhelming. I remind myself that teaching is a continuous learning process and just like I encourage my students to embrace unforeseen challenges, I do the same for myself.

As your classroom has students with and without IEPs, how do you ensure all students receive the individual support they need to succeed?

Providing all of our students with the unique support they need by implementing differentiated instruction methods, as well as using flexible grouping or putting students together based on their individual needs, abilities, and interests enables them to see ongoing success. Additionally, I understand the importance of communicating and collaborating with my co-teacher and support staff, regularly analyzing student data, and adjusting lesson plans accordingly. I regularly seek advice from my esteemed colleagues who can offer a real-world perspective on unchartered territory I’m navigating, and I regularly read and learn about new and different best practices to enhance inclusive teaching.

Can you share a memorable success story from your teaching experience?

One of my most memorable success stories that comes to mind is seeing our students' middle-of-the-year assessment scores improve from their beginning of year scores, a testament to our hard work and their hard work. Even more rewarding was witnessing their confidence flourish, and seeing our students believe in themselves and their abilities. Writing my first IEP was another milestone that reminded me of the impact I can have when supporting students’ individual needs. I’m incredibly grateful for these moments and the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.

Congrats on your upcoming graduation this spring! What are some key skills learned in the Touro GSE classroom that you use on-the-job and what are your next steps post-graduation?

My next steps after graduating from GSE are to continue working hard and growing as an educator, always striving to refine my teaching practices and to better support my students. Social-emotional learning is especially important to me as I believe a student’s emotional and mental well-being is just as critical as their academic success. I’m also considering pursuing my doctorate in education, at Touro of course! The idea of deepening my knowledge and contributing to the field excites me.

Additionally, I have learned several important skills at Touro that I’m leveraging daily in my ICT classroom. Recognizing and addressing the individual needs of students from diverse backgrounds and learning styles is something that was stressed at GSE as it’s imperative to have students reach their full potential. Understanding the nuances of summative assessments has strengthened my understanding of my students' needs, enabling me to closely monitor their progress and differentiating my instruction accordingly.

What advice would you give to other students juggling work, school, and personal responsibilities?

Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities is no easy task. Having a family and home to care for while advancing your career can be extremely challenging. But I always remind myself in times of doubt that I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by experienced educators, so I use that to my advantage by asking questions, listening to stories to find out more about the obstacles they have successfully overcome and how they did it, and embracing my mistakes. Pushing through the tough moments, giving yourself grace, and being proud of how far you’ve come are vital. And when it all feels overwhelming, unplug, take several deep breaths, and then get back to it. Your students need you!