Learning/Language Disabilities Teacher

My passion for assisting people and helping them navigate life’s challenges led me to study psychology in college. The diverse coursework in psychology equipped me with the skills to better understand individuals and improve my service to them. Therefore, my undergraduate studies were made easier because of my interest in people and my desire to work professionally in that capacity. After graduating from college, my first job was with the State as a Social Service Worker at the County Correction Facility.
Although this environment vastly differed from anything I had ever experienced, the circumstances did not intimidate me. I felt prepared and capable of servicing my clients at this institution. I also hoped my compassionate temperament could help change the direction of some of their lives. There was one client whose records indicated he spent much of his adolescence in juvenile facilities. He often shared details of the adversities and choices he made as an adolescent, which ultimately led him to adult incarceration. After a few months, his pending trial was resolved with a plea, and the severe sentence was reduced. He was scheduled to leave this facility to serve his sentence in prison. I spoke with him on a Friday to confirm his GED participation in the new location. However, on my weekend off, I received a call at home that this young man had taken his life. Sadly, he was not the only one during my employment there.

This experience unnerved me to my core. As I interacted with more of the jail's population, I realized that the older and younger men were rooted in a specific philosophy concerning their lives and futures. Ultimately, I recognized that my ability to affect change in this facility was impossible. This experience inspired me to divert any child from landing in adult confinement. Therefore, I transferred to the Child Services Division and enrolled in an Alternate Route program to become a public school teacher.
I was drawn to special education and convinced that compassionate, dedicated, prepared, and skilled educators were needed. Also, my research indicated that Black males were the most significant classified statistic in this education section. This information affirmed that my desire and passion for assisting others could play a more impactful role in the lives of children. I was very excited to support a student’s intellectual, social-emotional, and behavioral development and contribute to decreasing or eliminating what I viewed as the school-to-prison pipeline.

One of my greatest pleasures over the past 21 years has been serving as a special education teacher in public schools. I experienced success in helping struggling learners and providing instructional intervention. I have balanced creative instruction and maintained educational guidelines.

Teaching is more than just a profession for me. It is a calling that stems from my deep conviction that every student deserves an equitable, meaningful, and empowering education. I view education as a transformative force that has the power to uplift individuals and communities. As an educator, it is my goal to ensure that all students—regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, ability, or personal circumstances—receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

As an effective educator, I am determined to disrupt the status quo by refusing a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Instead, I take every opportunity to intentionally foster inclusive learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Daily, I implement culturally responsive teaching practices, advocating for necessary resources and recognizing each student's unique strengths and challenges in the classroom.

Therefore, what makes me an outstanding teacher is that I am committed to providing educational justice to every student I encounter. I believe that each student has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society when given the right opportunities.

Classroom Assistant – Kindergarten

Several factors influenced me to become a classroom assistant. I have a love for learning and teaching others that I want to instill in my students. My role allows me to work with small groups and helps students grasp new concepts. I have a desire to support students and find a personal fulfillment in helping them grow personally and academically, achieve their goals, and overcome challenges. By helping teachers, I help create a more effective and efficient classroom environment. The ability to connect with students and help them feel comfortable in their environment allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of students while having the opportunity to gain my own experience and growth.

My worksite responsibilities are supporting the lead teacher and ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day activities in the classroom. I assist with preparing lesson materials, providing individual support to students. In addition, I monitor student progress and provide feedback. I support my lead teacher with behavior management by setting expectations and redirecting students as needed.

The characteristics that make me exceptional as a classroom assistant is my ability to adapt to the specific needs of each student. I am patient, empathetic, and able to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. I can sense when a student needs extra attention and when they just need personal space. I also have effective communication skills, which help in collaborating with both students and teachers to ensure we are all aligned to our goals. In my years of being a classroom assistant I have helped create a positive learning environment and contribute to the overall success of the classroom and school. I am dedicated to helping students succeed and I am willing to adapt to different situations.