Special Education Program Specialist

Q: What motivates you to work in the special education department and why?

A: What really fuels my passion is the chance to be that person who makes a difference for students who often feel overlooked. In special education, the students might not always know how to ask for the help they need, and their families can be feeling just as lost—especially when high school introduces the whole new world of passing classes and earning credits. It’s a lot to juggle, and I love being that bridge. In a nutshell, I’m driven by the opportunity to help others find their way.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face working in special education? Why is this a challenge?

A: Oh, communication is the biggest hurdle, hands down. Between coordinating with general education teachers, keeping parents in the loop, and actually connecting with the students themselves, it can feel like trying to hit a moving target. The campus is huge, and it’s like you’re chasing down people to get the info you need—especially when you’re on a tight timeline. Getting everyone on the same page can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport!

Q: What improvements would you like to see in the special education program?

A: If I could wave a magic wand, I’d love to see more specialized classes and smaller groups. The more tailored attention we can give, the better. When the class sizes shrink, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about the ability to give students the space and focus they need. More classes, more resources, and a bit more time with each student could work wonders in ensuring every one of them gets the support they deserve.

Special Ed.

Q: What motivates you to work in the special education department and why?

A: It all started when I was a kid. I had a cousin who was around my age but had severe mental and physical disabilities. Growing up with him, I quickly learned that the world wasn’t designed for everyone to fit in the same box, and I became really empathetic towards kids in special education. I also worked at a group home before I started teaching, and that experience really taught me the art of patience and how to meet people where they are. Over time, it just became clear to me that this is where I’m meant to be—helping students who need that extra bit of support to thrive.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face working in special education? Why is this a challenge?

A: The biggest challenge? Hands down, it’s the unpredictability. You show up in the morning with a game plan—thinking you know exactly how your day will go—and then life throws you a curveball. One minute you're helping a student with a math problem, and the next, you’re troubleshooting a completely different issue. It’s like trying to juggle while riding a rollercoaster, but that’s also what keeps it interesting. The longer you work in this field, the better you get at adapting on the fly. It’s all about embracing the chaos and knowing that, by the end of the day, you’ve done something meaningful.

Q: What improvements would you like to see in the special education program?

A: If I could make one change, I’d say more training for newer teachers in special education. It can be overwhelming at first, and it’s tough to hit the ground running without enough support. More hands-on training—whether at the school site or district level—could really help teachers build the tools they need to thrive in this specialized role. After all, special education isn’t just about following a curriculum; it’s about building relationships, adapting, and problem-solving. So, the more we can invest in teachers up front, the better the experience will be for everyone involved.

Special Ed.

Q: What motivates you to work in the special education department and why?

A: I’m motivated by the students who’ve been told—or made to feel—that they can’t. I love stepping into that space and saying, “Actually, yes you can—and I’ll help you get there.” There's something powerful about watching a student go from struggling to succeeding, especially when they start to believe in themselves. That transformation is what fuels me. I’m not just here to teach content—I’m here to show them that they’re capable of more than they think.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face working in special education? Why is this a challenge?

A: The biggest challenge? Hands down—paperwork. There’s a mountain of it in special education: IEPs, assessments, data tracking, the list goes on. It’s all important, but it pulls me away from what matters most—time with my students. I didn’t get into this field to stare at a screen all day. I got into it to teach, to connect, and to support. So balancing the paperwork with the people work is definitely one of the hardest parts.

Q: What improvements would you like to see in the special education program?

A: Overall, I think we’re doing a great job—but if I could change one thing, it would be time. More dedicated time to work one-on-one or in small groups with students who need it most. So often, those quiet moments—when a student finally asks that question they’ve been sitting on, or when they finally "get it"—happen during individual time. I’d love to see more of that built into our day.

Q: How do you create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students?

A: It all starts with relationships. I focus on building trust from day one—showing students that I see them, I hear them, and I’ve got their back. I’m real with them, I listen, and I meet them where they are. Once they know I’m in their corner, everything else starts to fall into place. They open up, they take risks, and they start to believe they can learn. A safe, supportive space isn’t something that just happens—it’s something I build, every day, with intention.