Special Education Teacher

There are several factors that influenced me to pursue a career in education. From a very young age I knew that I wanted to become a teacher. I can recall playing school with my friends and even my dolls in “my classroom” and pretending I was their teacher. I would spend hours preparing assignments for them and loved “grading their work.” I also truly have a love for learning. I am naturally inquisitive and embrace new challenges and opportunities to learn. I strive to instill a love of learning in my students by always encouraging them to be curious and ask questions.

There is a quote that says, “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” That quote is particularly true in my life as one of the main factors that contributed to my career choice was my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Martin. She was everything I strive to be as an educator: enthusiastic, fun, empathetic and truly made each of us feel that we were important. All her students knew she cared about them. Mrs. Martin’s approach to teaching encouraged me, an extremely shy student, to always participate and put forth my best effort. Her approach to teaching made me feel welcome and safe. From that experience, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education. I wanted to provide a comfortable and safe learning environment for my students in which they would challenge themselves and reach their full potential, just like Mrs. Martin did.

I believe an outstanding teacher is characterized by exceptional communication skills, a genuine passion for learning, the ability to engage students, provide individualized support, and consistently demonstrate a commitment to student growth and well-being. One of the most important characteristics I believe an outstanding teacher should behold is the ability to foster a positive classroom environment. To achieve this, you must build relationships, provide positive reinforcement, and establish clear expectations. When people feel a sense of belonging, they generally want to be present, participate and share thoughts and ideas. A sense of belonging can motivate students to work harder and put forth their best effort. An exceptional teacher must consider all the factors that influence students, including their emotions, perspectives, aspirations and motivations.

I believe that to be an effective teacher, I must always take into account the world beyond the classroom. This means acknowledging outside factors that affect learning and behavior. By asking and listening to my students’ opinions and thoughts, I encourage them to support their ideas and challenge me to defend my own. I believe this openness and discussion will teach them to think critically, consider and respect new ideas, and evaluate the reasoning behind them.

Social Worker

Growing up, I saw the impact that representation and emotional support can have on young people, especially students of color. I chose social work because I wanted to provide students with a safe space to process their feelings and navigate challenges, knowing they have someone in their corner. My passion for advocacy, equity, and ensuring that students feel seen, heard, and empowered drove me to this career. I thrive on helping youth recognize their potential and access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.

As a high school social worker in a point-of-entry school, I support students adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic environment. I provide crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and connect students with essential resources. What sets me apart is my ability to build trust quickly, advocate fiercely, and create opportunities for students to expand their worldview. I organize field trips, foster meaningful conversations, and push students to think beyond their immediate circumstances. My work directly impacts student success by ensuring they feel safe, supported, and equipped to navigate their personal and academic journeys.