Educator Spotlight:

Ann Rose

Maine CEC Member

Special Education Teacher at Greely Middle School

1. What brought you to Maine CEC- how long have you been a member, what does Maine CEC provide for your support?

I have been a member for many years - not sure exactly how many! Every few months, I look forward to receiving the CEC journal. Numerous articles, over the years, have provided me with insights into areas of my profession that I do not typically encounter as well as valuable research, case studies, strategies and ideas that I apply directly to the work I do with my students.

2. What is your current teaching format?

I currently teach in a public middle school, grades 6-8. I work with students from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds who have a range of disabilities. They are typically students who need more direct instruction, services and case management than the typical resource room student. I provide direct instruction in reading, writing, math, functional academics and executive functioning skills.

3. What's the biggest challenge?

I think my biggest challenge stems from the wide variety of academic needs and related disabilities of the students with whom I work. While we are all experienced in differentiated instruction, that is instruction differentiated from a mean. In my case, there is no mean. If I think of five of my students and their specially designed IEP goals, each is at a different place academically, experientially, and in terms of capability. Therefore, it is more like teaching five different classes than differentiating instruction within one class.

4. What's the silver lining?

The silver lining is the very learning differences and individuality of each of the students that creates the challenge. I have the privilege of teaching these very interesting and wonderful people, and, though there are certainly tough times, I end up simply really caring about each of them. They are the reason I do what I do. Being part of their growth during the formative and often challenging years of middle school is a privilege I have never grown tired of.

5. Any advice for fellow special educators?

I do not presume to have advice for my peers. I just know that it is a hard job and sometimes the details can get in the way of enjoying the students. I guess my advice would be to do your best to show up each day with an open mind and an open heart – and know that this is not always possible.

6. What is your background?

I earned a Masters in Education and Special Education (K-8) from Lesley College in 1989, during which time I worked in a variety of middle school level vocational and day treatment settings. Previously, I was trained in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading and worked at a boarding school for students with Specific Learning Disabilities. After moving to Maine, I worked at the Russell School in Gray-New Gloucester for 8 years as a special education teacher K-5. I began working in MSAD #51, Cumberland-North Yarmouth in 2000 and have been there ever since, both working with the Functional Life Skills population and the population that I currently teach.