" I was an attorney for 25 years before becoming a special education teacher. I spent 25 years breaking people down, now I hope to spend 25 years bringing people up. And I feel really good about that."

- Matt N.

I started working as a paraprofessional about seven years ago. I love working with kids and making a difference in their lives. About four years ago, I started working with a little boy in kindergarten, I absolutely loved my experience. That little boy made a huge impact on my life. After working with him for a couple of years, I realized that I wanted to get my SPED degree to be able to help more kids .

|" I can still raise my kids and work full time while taking 4 or 5 classes a semester. "|

I saw signs all over the school to attend SMSU. I looked into and saw that there was a paraprofessional to SPED program that allowed me to keep working and do my student teaching at the school district I am currently work for. I do all online classes which works great for me and I can do my classes when it is convenient for me. I can still raise my kids and work full time while taking 4 or 5 classes a semester.

-Elyse

I have been a paraprofessional for Special Education for 4 years. I enjoy my job so much but, I want to have a stronger impact on children and their education.

| " I'm excited to get my degree and to help children grow." |

I started my schooling for SPED at MNSU this spring after transferring from Psychology. I'm excited to get my degree and to help children grow not just academically but socially as well.

-Courtney W.

I was inspired to become a special education teacher because how well I was complimented on my job as a para. I was also inspired to become a special education after finding my true passion of working with children in general.

-Shayna G