Interview

I interviewed a Special Education teacher that works in the Baldwin County School System.

1)When did you decide to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I can remember. However, I waited almost ten years after high school to go back to school to pursue this dream. I can honestly say that it was the best decision that I have ever made. I love my job and I look forward to going to school every day to teach my students.

2)Why Special Education? During my first year as a teacher I had a student with severe autism and learning disabilities; this is when I knew. I have taught both regular and special education and both are wonderful. I believe that working in this field takes passion, it’s harder work and more challenging than you would imagine, but worth every single second of it.

3)Is there any aspect about working in Special Education that you do not like? That’s an easy one. The paperwork. It is unreal; granted, after a while, you do become accustomed to it, but it seems like it is never-ending. Because in reality, it is!

4)What about technology? Have you been able to incorporate it into your classroom? Yes, through Smartboard. We all LOVE this thing. It is wonderful, and opens so many doors to education and ways to incorporate it into the lessons, especially in this setting.

5)Any advice, or words of wisdom? Of course. Teaching is such as joy; just remember you are in charge of educating little minds. Make sure you love it, give it 200%. It’s not a career you choose because of the paycheck, you choose it because you love it. If you can find that passion, you are heading in the direction of a challenging, yet wonderful, fulfilling future!