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Introduction
I'm Susan Donze—though most people know me as Sue. A proud St. Louis native, I've spent my life in this vibrant city, watching it grow and change alongside my own journey. After graduating high school, I found my first academic home at Webster University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Management Marketing in 2001. But life has a way of revealing your true calling, and I soon discovered mine was in education. I returned to Webster to pursue my master's degree in Special Education, completing it in 2005.
This blend of business acumen and educational expertise has given me a unique perspective on teaching—one that combines practical real-world knowledge with specialized educational strategies. My marketing background helps me understand how to effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences, while my training in Special Education has equipped me with the tools to ensure every student can reach their full potential.
My History
Over the past 24 years, I've had the privilege of shaping young minds across diverse educational settings, always with a steadfast commitment to inclusive learning. My journey in education has been rich and varied, allowing me to develop expertise in working with students who have unique learning needs, challenges, and potential.
My classroom experience spans the full spectrum of specialized education. In Early Childhood Special Education, I learned the vital importance of early intervention and how to build strong educational foundations. Teaching third-grade general education showed me how to effectively integrate diverse learning styles into a mainstream classroom setting. My work in K-5 Exceptional Student Education and Life Skills classrooms has been particularly rewarding, helping students develop both academic skills and essential life competencies.
I've also specialized in behavior support for grades 3-5, where I've developed strategies to help students overcome behavioral challenges while maintaining academic progress. My certification in K-12 English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) has enabled me to support students navigating both language and cultural transitions. Most recently, my work in the Intensive Language Academic Behavior Support classroom has allowed me to combine all these areas of expertise, creating comprehensive support systems for students with complex learning needs.
This journey has taken me through several distinguished school districts—the Special School District of St. Louis County, The School District of Lee County, and Fort Zumwalt School District. Each district has enriched my teaching approach, offering unique perspectives on how to best serve diverse student populations and their families.
Pedagogy Credentials
Early Childhood Education Birth-3rd grade
Early Childhood Special Education Birth-3rd grade
Elementary Education Grade 1-6
Special Education Mod/Severe Cross-Categorical Grade K-12
English Speakers of Other Languages Grade K-12
Professional Organization:
Council of Exceptional Education
National Educators Association
(Stephen Fialor, 2023)
What is my purpose?
What is my purpose?
Teaching special education isn't just my career—it's my calling. Every day, I witness the transformative power of inclusive education and assistive technology in breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable. My passion stems from a deep-seated belief that every student, regardless of their communication style or learning differences, deserves the opportunity to share their voice with the world.
The magic happens in those breakthrough moments: when a student uses their AAC device to tell a joke for the first time, when a non-verbal learner connects with a peer during group work, or when a parent tears up watching their child participate in a class presentation. These victories, both big and small, remind me why I chose this path.
I'm particularly passionate about inclusion and assistive technology because I've seen how they can reshape a student's educational journey. When we provide the right tools and support, we're not just teaching academic skills—we're opening doors to independence, self-expression, and meaningful participation in society. Every time a student masters a new communication method or successfully navigates a social interaction, we're building the foundation for their future success.
My role extends far beyond the classroom walls. I'm not just teaching academic subjects; I'm helping to develop confident, capable individuals who can advocate for themselves and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Whether it's through implementing cutting-edge AAC technology, designing inclusive learning environments, or collaborating with families and colleagues, my goal remains constant: to empower my students to reach their full potential.
The journey of a special education teacher isn't always easy, but it's infinitely rewarding. Each challenge overcome, each skill mastered, and each smile earned reminds me that I'm exactly where I need to be. My students may face unique challenges, but with the right support and opportunities, they can and do achieve remarkable things. This isn't just a job—it's my contribution to creating a more inclusive, understanding, and accepting world, one student at a time.
Oliver living his best life!
Some Personal History
Some Personal History
The rolling hills and open skies you see above capture a slice of my family's farm in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri—a place that grounds me no matter how busy life gets. Most weekends find me there, pitching in with our farming operations, connecting with the land that's been in my family for generations.
My love for adventure has taken me across oceans, with Europe holding a special place in my heart. I even tried coastal living for five years in Cape Coral, Florida, where the endless summer and ocean breezes taught me to appreciate life's slower rhythms. But as they say, home is where the heart is, and eventually, Missouri's charm and family ties drew me back to its four-season beauty.
These days, my world revolves around my energetic three-year-old, Oliver, who keeps us laughing with his "threenager" antics and reminds us daily to see the world through fresh eyes. My husband and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary this June—a decade filled with shared passions for craft beer exploration, quiet evenings with good books, marathon sessions of Bob's Burgers, and creating travel memories together. Rounding out our family are our two feline companions, Lucy and Maxie, who add their own brand of charm to our daily adventures.
This balance of rural roots and wanderlust, family ties and new horizons, has shaped who I am both in and out of the classroom. It's taught me that the best learning happens when we stay curious about the world while remembering where we come from.
Lucy
Lucy
Maxie
Maxie
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