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 is the best thing about the special education program? 

The best thing about the Special Education program is working with some amazing co-workers within our department and in other departments that we co-teach with.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working in special education? 

The most rewarding part about working in Special Education is being an advocate (voice) for students that are often overlooked on campus.

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

The opportunity to make a positive impact in young student's lives is what motivates me the most.

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.

Special Ed.

Q: What is the best thing about the special education program? 

The best thing is how it supports every student's growth, no matter where they're starting from 

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working in special education? 

The most rewarding part is watching progress happen, even when it looks different for every student. Being part of those moments - big or small, makes the work meaningful in a way that's hard to put into words.

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

What motivates me is knowing that the work makes a real difference in students' lives. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to help someone grow, and that keeps me motivated to keep showing up and doing my best. 

Special Ed.

Q: What is the best thing about the special education program? 

I work with staff who are amazing to work with and care about our students. 

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working in special education? 

 Seeing students graduate who you may have thought didn't have a chance or seeing them be productive members of society at their jobs. 

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

Seeing students succeed who without our efforts and theirs might not have made it to graduation without additional supports.

Special Ed.

Q: What is the best thing about the special education program? 

I think the best part is the individualized support we are able to provide. Every student learns differently, so we can find strategies and accommodations that help each student be successful in the classroom and prepare for life after high school.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working in special education? 

 For me, the most rewarding part is helping students become more independent. High school is an important time to prepare students for adulthood, college, careers, and life after graduation, and I enjoy helping them develop those skills.

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

I am motivated by my students and their progress. Every student has different strengths and challenges, and I enjoy finding ways to help them succeed and become more confident.

Special Ed.

Q: What is the best thing about the special education program? 

The best thing about the special education program is that we are able to meet students where they are and help them move forward. We can provide support based on their individual needs instead of expecting every student to learn the exact same way.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working in special education? 

 The most rewarding part is watching students reach goals that they have worked hard for. Seeing their excitement when they realize they accomplished something is one of the best parts of teaching. 

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

My students are my biggest motivation. Seeing them come to school, work hard, and make progress encourages me to continue doing my best for them.