essay on why i want to be a special education teacher

Why i Want to be a Special Education Teacher

In this personal essay, the author will express their motivation and passion for becoming a special education teacher. It will discuss the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with special needs, the challenges and rewards of the field, and the personal qualities that make the author suited for this profession. The piece will also reflect on the importance of inclusion, empathy, and adaptability in special education. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Employment.

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Sooner or later a moment comes when a person is faced with a very important question – the question of choosing a profession, and the whole future life depends on this choice. Oddly enough for me, it was easy and simple because from my very childhood I dreamed of being a teacher. After finishing school, I learned that a teacher can be special. This is a special teacher, a special person who helps special children. It was then that I realized that I wanted to become this special teacher.

And I became one after graduating from the defectological faculty of Kursk State Pedagogical University with a degree in Oligophrenopedagogy with an additional specialty in Speech therapy.

Many times I asked myself the question, why did I choose this particular profession? I receive an answer every day for 14 years, working with this category of children. Because:

– this profession brings a sense of self-worth and

satisfaction from the work performed;

– through my profession, I carry out my mission and destiny;

– working as a special teacher, I get to know myself and others;

– communicating with special children, I changed my view of many things in my own life;

– my profession allows me to be close to those who need me.

Due to the poor environmental situation, unfavorable external and internal factors, bad habits, children with developmental problems are being born more and more often, therefore the profession of a special teacher in the modern world is very relevant and in demand.

The professional activity of a special educator goes beyond traditional teaching. She closely interacts with various types of socio-pedagogical, rehabilitation, consultative and diagnostic, psychotherapeutic, corrective activities aimed at one goal – helping a child with disabilities in his social adaptation and integration by means of special education.

The pedagogical principles that I adhere to in my work are simple and clear to everyone:

– give children knowledge, warmth, and a smile;

– always learn;

– do no harm.

I consider the words of V. A. Sukhomlinsky as a guideline in my work with children that “if a child lives in enmity, he learns aggression; if a child is constantly criticized, he learns to hate; if a child is ridiculed, he strives for isolation; if a child grows up in reproach, he learns to live with guilt, but at the same time, if a child grows up intolerance, he learns to understand others; if the child is encouraged, he learns to believe in himself; if a child is praised, he learns to be grateful and believe in people “

Like healthy children, a child with special educational needs has the right to receive qualified pedagogical assistance, which can only be provided by a specially trained teacher.

I work with this category of children on the basis of the interaction of all participants in the educational process. At this stage in the development of society, a person is placed in tough conditions of competition. This prompts me to look for new and effective means of enhancing the educational process, new forms, and methods of work. For more productive use of time, I try to make my work with students cognitive and creative, diversify tasks, apply various forms and new technologies. I do it so that the children are interested. This allows you to correct all cognitive processes, promotes the growth of activity, and forms a positive emotional background. I devote particular importance to the social adaptation of children with disabilities because it is even more difficult for them to survive in the modern world.

All the time I try to assess whether my charges are comfortable. In the classroom, I try to create a cozy, supportive, developing environment, establish mutual trust with students, and the children respond to me with gratitude.

I believe that an important direction in my work is helping families with a child with special educational needs. After all, it is so important to support parents at a certain moment in life, to explain to them what is not clear, to inspire hope, to show prospects in future life.

Yes, there are many difficulties in my profession, but despite this, in it, I can realize my creative potential, receive a charge of energy to move forward. I enjoy my work because I realize that my strength is not wasted for nothing, my activity makes someone’s life easier, more interesting, and better.

Every time I come to work, I understand that I have a special mission and a huge responsibility to provide each child with special educational needs with high-quality educational services, taking into account his individual needs.

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10 Reasons Why I Love Being a Special Education Teacher

Being a special education teacher is a privilege. I am happy to say I get to be part of an amazing group of professionals that are dedicated to learning and growing as teachers. I am part of a unique group of people that tackle challenges with grace and style, and know how to hustle when we need to. Special education teachers are a unique bunch; we don’t stop at “no,” and are willing to do anything for our students. We work endless hours before school and even after our contractual obligations end. We juggle the balance between work and home and many of us know the struggle of writing an IEP while we are supposed to be watching a movie with our family. I love being part of a headstrong, loyal group of professionals that love helping others and teaching our students in a way that is meaningful to them.

Here are 10 reasons why I love being a special education teacher.

1. My students are the coolest people I know.

I know this may sound cliché, and I don’t even know if the word “cool” is cool anymore, but my students are the coolest! I love the various perspectives that they bring to me every day. I enjoy seeing the world through their eyes, and understanding where they are coming from. My students have accomplished so many amazing things! Some of my students have gone on to four-year colleges, some have gotten jobs, and some now live independently. Others who may not fit the traditional grade book scale of “competent,” have mastered skills such as tying one’s shoes, speaking in sentences, and toilet training. My students are outspoken, tell the truth and try their best. They are definitely the coolest people I know.

2. I get to learn from my students.

Yup, they teach me something new every day! I have to admit, I needed someone to walk me through the Star Wars movies, teach me about dinosaurs, or how to play Minecraft. It was my students that taught me about Pokémon, and how apps such as Pokémon Go helped get them over their social anxiety. My students have exposed me to some many interesting ideas and topics that I may not have otherwise ventured into. I continue to learn and am constantly indebted to them for the things they have taught me.

3. It’s rewarding.

Teaching special education is so rewarding! There is not much better than helping a student reach their potential. I feel great knowing my students have learned something new because I was able to teach them in a way that made sense for them. It’s rewarding to know I have been able to reach them and help them on their way to future independence.

4. I love to teach.

I love to share my knowledge and grow with my students. Getting in front of an engaged and excited class is one of the best things in life! Being able to do this every day brings me an indescribable feeling of elation.

5. I can understand others better.

Working with students with all ranges and abilities helps me become more patient, compassionate and understanding. The more I work with these students, the more adept I become at seeing things through their eyes. I enjoy making the connections and seeing how they think. Knowing what works for my students and what doesn’t is vital to being an effective teacher. The more time I get to spend with my students, the easier it is for me to pull out tools and strategies for implementation. Having a wide range of students teaches me there will never be a “one size fits all.”

6. I love finding what works.

I enjoy the challenge of figuring out a new student. My main goal as a special education teacher will always be to help them learn functional and academic skills in order to become an independent learner and contributing citizen to the world around them. When I have a new student, I have the chance to assess, analyze and try to figure out what might work. Yes, 80 percent of new attempts may end in failure, but I don’t give up. I don’t allow myself to ever assume a student is not capable of learning. Every student is a success story. You just need to be willing to be patient and find it.

7. I get to set a foundation.

Setting a foundation in a figurative sense means I get to be a mentor for my students. I work hard to establish a rapport and build trust with my students. These fundamental beginnings allow me to set a productive foundation for my students and their education. Mutual respect and genuine understanding are key to a proper foundation for functional and academic learning.

8. I am appreciated.

Appreciation is expressed in many forms. Sometimes it is a verbal affirmation from your administrative team, and sometimes, it is in the small quiet nod you receive from one of your shy, non-verbal students. I know I am appreciated, even when it is not said. I can find the small, often subtle gestures that show me this. This appreciation and gratitude fuels me and my work every day.

9. I love to help.

I know, so cliché again, right? But it’s true. I do love to help. I want all of my students to be able to grow up and fulfill their dreams. I want to be able to be the catalyst that helps get them there. I want to be the support, the mentor, and the teacher they need me to be, so they can shine.

10. Summers off.

Summers off! Ha! I was just kidding. I know you will be teaching and helping your students keep their skills all summer long. Even during the summer, my students know they can count on me anytime.

And this is why I love being a special education teacher. It is what I was meant to do.

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Sample Personal Statement for Special Education Teacher

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program in special education. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at TUFTS and Boston College. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement of a special education teacher should look like.

“Quo non Ascendam” – “to what heights can I not rise.” This is the motto of Ethiopia Aviation Academy, my Alma Meta, and my inspiration. Last year, while ascending Adams peak during a voluntary AIESEC internship at Colombo University, Sri Lanka, I saw a poor boy suffering from muscular dystrophy dangerously perched behind the railings at the corner of the tortuous path. “Excelsior,” my Australian, American, Lebanese, and Chinese comrades exhorted me to go on. But I was transfixed by the utter disparity I saw – was it right to give him a coin, or could I have done something else to change his destiny? How lucky I am to have everything on my plate.

My schooling was elite. However, I never disassociated myself from my disadvantaged peers with physical impairments. Every year my mother used to take me to a nearby nursing home (for children with disabilities) to celebrate my birthday. She did so purposefully so that I could count my blessing and be grateful for what I have. The wider gap between the haves and the have-nots became even more pronounced when I visited my native village in rural Ethiopia and interacted with children in our neighborhood. Sometimes I even felt guilty for having so much more than them. I pondered that to alleviate poverty and promote socio-economic development, I needed to provide easy access to education to the less fortunate. I believe this will give me tranquility and a realm of my own.

To become a valuable member of society, I decided to major in special education. Therefore, I enrolled at Bahir Dar University. In my senior year, I traveled to Augustana College (on Global U-GRAD Exchange Program) as a Cultural Ambassador and stayed there for six months. During this time, I gained exposure to the local culture and enhanced my English language and teaching skills. At Laura Wilder Elementary School, I taught courses to special children on how to become adaptive and sociable. Not only this, but I also organized “Ethiopia Day” festivities at Sioux Falls and gave a comprehensive lecture on the society and culture of Ethiopia. Post-presentation, a native exclaimed, “Thank you for showing us Ethiopia in a better way.” Upon my return to Ethiopia, I decided to redouble my efforts in imparting education after being motivated by the exposure at Augustana college.

During my junior year, I realized my life goals after opting to travel for an optional teaching internship with National Commission for Human Development in Swat, now famous for being the hometown of Malala Yousafzai. I worked towards the UN Millennium Development Goal, which envisages an educated society as a foundation for development. For four months, I designed and taught several courses in self-development, communication, and professionalism to women in rural communities. As a result, I felt a lot more empowered.

Subsequently, I became further predisposed to teaching special children. However, at the same time, I realized that I would need further education to achieve my lofty aim of making a more significant impact. While working on various projects involving wide-ranging education policy issues and theories, I was exposed to the benefits and limitations of the teaching sphere. Now, I want to expand my world and learn more so that I can ask better questions and be capable of adapting to the changing world. I believe everyone has a share in shaping the world (no matter how small or big), and by pursuing graduate studies in teaching methodologies, I will be able to provide a beneficial share to the world. It will also help me create the world that I want to live in.

As we neared Adams peak, we started bantering – our words echoed from the valley below. My fatigue disappeared as I witnessed the breathtaking sunrise – such are the fruits of accomplishment. The decent is always easier. I remember children always walking to school and running back home. As we descended, I saw the same disabled boy at the same place near the railing but with a much more satisfying look as his bowl was brimming with coins. I know brooding is not the answer, but he should have been in school. Wisdom lies in knowing what to do next. I know someday I want to be wholly immersed in teaching and formulating educational policies that will send all poor and disabled children to school and higher learning.

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What I’ve Learned From Special Ed Teachers

Special education teachers have valuable insights to share with their peers about patience, empathy, working with parents, and more.

Special education teachers are expected to do quite a lot: Assess students’ skills to determine their needs and then develop teaching plans; organize and assign activities that are specific to each student’s abilities; teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one; and write individualized education plans in parent-friendly language.

In addition, they must know and apply the dozens of acronyms used in their field: ADA (American with Disabilities Act), DOR (Department of Rehabilitation), LEA (local education agency), PDD (pervasive developmental disorder), and LRE (least restrictive environment), to name just a few.

As I work with special education teachers, I remain awestruck by their energy, empathy, and excitement. Here’s what I’ve learned from them that has made me a better teacher.

1. Accept every student as they are. Students come to us with packages and baggage. Open and unpack slowly and gently, with kindness, respect, and understanding. Building a relationship with a student takes time and patience—allow it to happen organically. If you push it, shove it, or force it, you’ll have to start all over and it may or may not bloom.

2. Active listening is a gift. Every day, every student will have a problem—or something they perceive to be a problem. Stop, make eye contact, and listen. Don’t offer a solution until invited to do so. Don’t minimize their problem, experience, or situation. Don’t take their problem to the principal or other administrator until you’ve given the student time to think it through. Sometimes all they want is to be heard.

3. Scaffolding a lesson is just good teaching. Be prepared to break down a lesson and create pieces of learning. When each piece is explained, modeled, practiced, and applied, the parts fit together solidly to form a whole of understanding. Too much lecturing, too thick a packet, or too many directions can cause anxiety and disquiet. One small step at a time usually works best.

4. Be specific when sharing information with parents. When talking with parents, offer specific positives and exact concerns about their child’s abilities. Be careful of generalizations like always, never, usually, and sometimes. Give explicit examples and partner with parents to create opportunities for growth. Parents want to support teachers—show them how.

5. Eliminate jargon when talking with parents. Remember all those acronyms? If they must be used, use them sparingly and define each one. Acronyms can aid teachers in communicating with each other, but they build a divide with parents because using them is exclusionary—they’re a special language for educators. Building a partnership with parents means having a common vocabulary that inspires, not tires.

6. Students want to feel loved. Our students want to believe they’re the only ones in our class, on our caseload, or in our hearts. A small token of appreciation—a handwritten note, a quiet teacher-student lunch, or our cell phone number—tells that student we care about them and their academics. The importance of building relationships cannot be overstressed—students need us to show them that love is always possible.

7. Share what we’ve learned with others. Sharing resources and strategies with other teachers advances our students’ learning. Special education teachers are experts in the philosophy of differentiation. They don’t simply do differentiation—they employ it as a mindset needed to teach well. Demonstrating for one student how to apply a strategy will benefit all students.

8. Patience is a gift, a virtue, and a necessity. All of our students require patience, but some need a little more than others. Giving extra time for homework or a differentiated assessment could alleviate some of that challenge. Always remember that parents send to us their most precious possessions, hoping we’ll be humble, supportive, and empathetic.

9. Ask for help. Do not assume that you can teach, nurture, feed, clothe, and shelter every student on your caseload or in your class. Before you jeopardize your physical, emotional, and mental health, it’s important to ask for support. Your colleagues, school social worker, school psychologist, and other support staff are ready to help you help your students.

10. Laugh. There are some days when laughter might be the last thing you’re thinking of, but it may just be what you need. Our students come to us from different places—cognitively and logistically—yet a hearty chuckle or shared case of the giggles may help all of us take a step back and start again.

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Considering a Career in Special Education—Reasons, Rewards, and Challenges

It was once said, “To teach is to touch a life forever,” and this sentiment isn’t any truer than for special education teachers.

But why become a special education teacher ? Special education students require focused instruction to meet their educational, vocational, social, and emotional needs. Special education teachers are the men and women who pursue meet ing those needs.

If you are preparing to become a teacher for students with special needs, you may need to first acknowledge that the job demands much more than just having the right educational background and practical experience. It typically demands patience, flexibility, and attention, but many find that the rewards of being a special education teacher far outweigh these challenges.

LLet’s explore how to prepare yourself for the special education teacher career path.

FIND YOUR PATH

Rewards of being a Special Education Teacher

Perhaps one of the foremost reasons to be a special education teacher is the chance to positively impact the lives of children with disabilities, developmental delays, and learning disorders. Many special education teachers find that each day is a new opportunity to facilitate a child’s development, confidence, and positive outlook on school and learning. These are often rewards in themselves.

Other special education teacher benefits

• Highly satisfying work. Although the job can, at times, be demanding, many education specialists admit that they can’t imagine doing any other work. The relationships created as a special education teacher, and the positive effects they witness having on their students each day, often make the taxing aspects of the job worthwhile.
• Often higher salaries and benefits packages . Due to being one of the sectors most affected by the teaching shortage, the special education teacher job has prompted many states to look into improving the compensation and benefits of this type of educator, which, depending on the location, can either be higher or at par with other positions available to professionals with a teaching degree.
• Greater chance of employability. Special education teachers require special certification beyond the usual teaching certification, giving them a highly specialized skill set. This advanced training may give holders of special education credentials additional opportunities in the workforce.
• Mastering patience and adaptability. Working in special education can be highly demanding and unpredictable. The typical day of a special education teacher offers teachers an opportunity to enhance their skills in instructional strategies and also learn from their students as much as students learn from them, including the mastery of patience and adaptability.
• Developing a genuine understanding of students' individual characteristics. The small class size creates an engaging and inclusive education environment. Teachers are often personally invested in each student with a unique learning disability. This creates a special bond that both the student and the Special Ed teacher find rewarding.
• Serving a large community. Teachers in special education services work with other professionals who are committed to serving individuals with disabilities. When making an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a student, they may connect with family members and forge meaningful professional relationships with doctors, advocates, and representatives from state agencies or nonprofit organizations. Such an expanded network of peers can open up interesting career prospects in the future.

Challenges of being a Special Education Teacher

Despite the many benefits, including an excellent special education career outlook, you must also consider the challenges of the job before deciding if it’s right for you. While shortages in special education may translate to greater employability, it may also mean you could be overworked. Special education teachers must complete a great deal of paperwork, such as maintaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, in addition to typical lesson planning. This may lead to working more hours than is typical or taking their work home.

Furthermore, special education teachers must endure working in a particularly high-stress environment in which their students may be struggling with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. They also frequently have to manage meetings with parents and other staff, such as therapists and other school administrators.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Special Education Careers in a School Setting

Special education teachers are crucial in providing tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. Job positions for special education teachers vary, including;

Special Education Teacher - A special educator works with students with mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. Being a special education teacher means supporting students with a  individualized education plan and helping the special needs student develop the skills necessary for academic success and daily life. 

Special Education Administrator - The administrator is responsible for overseeing and managing the special education program of a school district. The role involves administrative and leadership responsibilities related to special education services.

Instructional Coordinator - Often referred to as a Curriculum Specialist or Curriculum Coordinator, they are professionals in the field of education responsible for developing and implementing curriculum and instructional strategies for the overall quality of education within a school or district. Their role involves working closely with special educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to improve teaching and learning practices. 

Special Education Careers Outside of Teaching

Special education teachers can also specialize in specific areas outside of teaching. Here are a few with focus areas like pre-school and community support initiatives;

Early Intervention Specialist - They work with young children, typically from birth to age 3, to identify and address child development delays or disabilities early on. The goal of an early intervention specialist is to provide support and services that promote the child's overall development and improve their chances of success in later years. 

Special Education Advocate - The advocate is also a special education major and professional who works to support and empower parents, guardians, and students with disabilities in navigating the special education system. They ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate educational services, accommodations, and support.

Questions to Ask

Before you enroll in an accredited special education credential program you must first be sure this career path is ideal for you and your goals. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions before applying for a special education degree:

• Do I hold the necessary traits to be a successful special education teacher, such as being highly organized, detail-oriented, and even-tempered?
• Am I able to work in a high-stress, demanding work environment?
• Am I flexible and able to change depending on the unique needs of my students?
• Do I have the capacity to work on an interdisciplinary team with therapists, doctors, and other teachers?
• Am I willing to take work home if paperwork hasn’t been completed throughout the course of the school day?

Education needed to become a Special Education Teacher

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, then you might consider getting your Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential . Those interested in taking on the challenging yet rewarding career as a special education teacher may get professional training for Mild-Moderate specialization at the California School of Education (CSOE) at Alliant International University.

Your training will prepare you for the fulfilling career of serving as a special education teacher in the State of California. You can complete the special education credential training online and be eligible to work in a public school with students in grades K-12 and in settings focused on adults up to age 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of our Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential program will often end up teaching at the elementary-, middle-, and high-school levels—largely dependent on exactly what age range each individual person would care to teach.  Other career options can include becoming a school principal, adult and secondary educator, specialized child care, special education classroom materials creator, policy maker, and a professional tutor.

There are three different teaching tracks available to you in this program: The Standard Intern Option, The Student Teaching Option, and The Early Completion Option. Each has their own differences and benefits, and you can learn more about them here. And at CSOE, y ou can receive your MAE in Teaching concurrently with your Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential by completing only three additional courses during your time in the program.

Contact Alliant to find out how you can get started on becoming a special education teacher today.

Kristy Pruitt

Dean, California School of Education

Dean of the California School of Education for Alliant International University in San Diego, California. In addition to her leadership...

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Why i want to be a special education teacher, we can be the difference in someones life..

So of course, when you are graduating high school and going into college, everyone wants to know what you are majoring in. People usually will say “Wow, that’s great” and obviously, “Congratulations!”. When people first ask me what I am majoring in at school and I say Special Education, usually the first thing that comes out of their mouth after that is either, “Wow, you must have a lot of patience”, or even, “That’s a really tough job, good for you.” It is so much more than that.

Ask any of us why we are doing this or why we want to become a Special Ed teacher. It is not because we think we have patience. We want to do this because it is for the students. We want to watch them learn and succeed when others think they can’t. I, in particular, wanted to become a special education teacher because I want to make a difference in the lives of children that otherwise would not have the chance. I want to help them reach their full potential when others have given up on them, and especially when they have given up on themselves.

One of the main reason I want to work in Special Ed is because for so many of the students that need it, many teachers or adults do not want to work with them because they don’t want the problem. Some will give up on them when they need the support the most. Why though? They are people just like any other students. We want to work with these kids because they have so much more to offer the word than just a possible disability that they might have. So many of them have amazing talents and skills or are even brilliant, but you just have to figure out how to get through to them in the best way possible and not let them down.

Although there are many different aspects that go into teaching in general, it is so much more than all the paper work and frustrations. Even talking to teachers now, many say it’s a lot of work and that it it frustrating- but that’s the point! You go through all of these troubles to make it all better for the kids. Not only to difference in their lives, but your own too. We know what we are getting ourselves into, and that is what draws so many of us to become teachers.

Think of it this way. All kids go to school and have teachers. Other than parents, we are the ones that nurture the students and teach them to help them be whatever we want to be. Teachers teach the presidents, doctors, nurses, policeman, and even teach future teachers. Teachers are a part of everyone’s lives no matter what they are doing. It is their job to help make a difference in their student's lives. You are in school from pre-school, to high school and even college. Everyone has a lot of teachers in their lives that help them along the way. Plus, if you really think about it, they are the ones that teach you how to do what you want to do in life. I can tell you that if you ask anyone that is an education student in college or an actual teacher, they will tell you that they wanted to become a teacher because they had one in their lives that inspired them to be the difference in someone else. I sure did.

So, if you are ever on the fence about becoming a teacher or not, think "why not?". You are the one that can make a difference in so many kid's lives, and you are the one that teaches the future leaders of America everything that is needed. What’s stopping you from making a difference in their life and your own? I have already gotten so much more out of it than I ever imagined and so can you.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

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Why Every Teacher Needs to Study Special Education

Completing a degree in special education doesn’t necessarily put you on the path to becoming a special ed. teacher; it offers advantages for any teaching career as well as for every one of your students — those with and without exceptionalities. 

• Why Study Special Education if You Don’t Plan to Teach it?

Recent decades have seen a substantial increase in special education students spending time learning among their nondisabled peers rather than separate from them. In fact, of those aged 6-21, 63.4% spend 80% or more of their time in general education classes, according to 2017 data . And an international survey of more than 121,000 teachers in 30 countries, including the U.S., showed that actual instruction time decreased as the number of students with exceptionalities in a classroom increased.

That lost time went to managing the classroom, potentially negatively impacting both disabled and nondisabled students. Education pundits believe that if general education teachers were better prepared — receiving more training focused on inclusion and special education — all students could benefit.  

How Can Studying Special Education Help Me as a Teacher? 

A master’s in special education not only increases your earning potential, but it also puts you at the top of the candidate pool for teaching jobs. It provides you with tools for providing person-centered education and better adapting lessons based on different learning types and levels. Wherever your career leads, an M.A. in special education opens up opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

You will be a more effective teacher to every student 

By understanding the best way to teach all types and levels of learners, you understand the way that more students learn, not just those with exceptionalities. This is helpful, as classrooms are more inclusive than they’ve ever been — the number of special education students spending the majority of their time in the general education classroom increased 9% between 2005 and 2014.

The number of students diagnosed with disabilities is also growing — in 2017-2018, there were 7 million students with disabilities (13.4% of all students). That means that general education teachers, with little training in special education , are the ones responsible for most of their education.

__________ Who are you called to be? Pursue your purpose at PLNU. __________

A 2004 amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) also required at least one general education teacher to be involved in the creation and implementation of each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). However, a 2007 study revealed that general education teachers took an average of just 1.5 courses that focused on inclusion or special education in their teacher-preparation programs, versus the average of 11 courses for special education teachers.

An advanced degree in special education can give you knowledge, training and — perhaps most importantly — confidence to provide the best and most effective learning experience for every student in the classroom. 

Classrooms are more inclusive than they’ve ever been. 

It sets you apart in a teaching job search

A master’s degree in special education can set you apart from other applicants for teaching jobs, not just for teaching special ed. That’s because a special education degree makes it clear you are capable of teaching every student — the ones who are ahead, the ones who are behind, and the ones with exceptionalities. As inclusion has increased, general education teachers aren’t required to have advanced training in special education, so those teachers who have sought out that extra training will have an edge in a job search over other general educators. 

It increases your earning potential

Of the largest school districts in the country, 88% offer additional pay , either in the form of salary increases or additional stipends, to teachers who hold advanced degrees. Depending on where you are on the pay scale and how far you are into your career, a master’s degree can increase your salary an average of $2,000 to $7,000 per year. 

It could lead to new career paths outside of teaching 

Outside of the traditional classroom setting, advanced training in special education offers a variety of career opportunities, including becoming an educational diagnostician, working in a clinical setting (such as in early intervention in hospitals or in a rehabilitation center), and acting as an independent consultant or trainer to school districts or state departments of education.

Your knowledge of special education could also translate to working in roles funded through state-wide programs committed to meeting the needs of those with disabilities, providing you with a career as a case manager , a program coordinator, or a nonprofit director.

It empowers you to be an advocate for social justice, inside and outside the classroom. Studying special education will stir you to look for ways to harness the positive power of diversity in classrooms, school districts, and communities. By more accurately understanding the relationship between the needs of students and the deficiencies in resources, you can search and advocate for new solutions to meet their needs.  

It offers a lifetime of learning

Working with students, especially special education students, is an engaging line of work. If you learn to focus on person-centered education, you will understand each student’s unique goals, challenges and needs, requiring you to continuously change and adapt. It requires creativity and compassion to reach every student.

The new training and knowledge provided by a special education degree can reinvigorate the career of an experienced teacher or provide a confidence boost to newer educators. In the end, by finding teaching and behavioral solutions for each child, a teacher can make a lasting impact on students’ lives. While teaching has its challenges, done well, it is a deeply rewarding career. 

• Next Steps in Your Teaching Career

Earning a master’s degree in special education can benefit your teaching career in a number of ways, including providing more opportunities for you and your students to learn and grow. You might consider learning more about Point Loma Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Special Education , including the courses you can take and how the hybrid program works. 

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About the Author 

Bethany (Leach) Mavis graduated from PLNU in 2009 with a journalism degree. She now manages marketing and content for a high-security construction company, teaches editing to journalism students as an adjunct professor, and advises the Mariner yearbook staff at PLNU.

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• How Can Studying Special Education Help Me as a Teacher? 

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Future Educators

Helping America's Future Teachers

I Want to Become a Teacher Because | My Dream Job Essay

My dream is to become a teacher . If you have this dream, you’re not alone. Here’s a collection of short essays by aspiring teachers. Current and future education students were asked to describe their motivation; what inspires them to succeed at their teacher training studies.

In these 31 student essays, future educators answer the question “I want to become a teacher because …” or “I want to become a teacher to …”. The short student essays are grouped thematically, forming the top reasons to become a teacher.

1. Giving Brings Its Own Rewards

Helping people is the unifying theme as to why students are inspired and motivated to become teachers. Education is a field where you can help young people directly in a personal way; potentially changing their lives for the better. Teaching is more than just a job.

For a significant percentage of education students, the opportunity to be of service provides plenty of motivation to pursue a teaching career. In each Why I Want to Become a Teacher essay here, a future educator explains why teaching is an opportunity to do something meaningful and beneficial.

by Hanna Halliar

If I can make an impact in just one child’s life, I will be able to consider myself successful. That is my motivation. As a future educator, what else would it be?

Every day that is spent in class, the late nights at the library, the endless hours of studying are all just steps getting me closer to the goal. When I am still up at 1 a.m. struggling to keep my eyes open, but only half way through my 6 page paper I remember how excited I am to work with my own students one day.

To me, being a teacher is so much more than the typical response most people have towards education majors. “Oh, you’re going to be a teacher. You know how much you will make?” Yes, I’m aware that I will be making an average of $50,000 a year in Indiana.

To me being a teacher means that I get the opportunity to not only teach my students math, English, and science but to teach life lessons that will stick with them as well.  It means walking into school every day being the reason my students look forward to coming to school. It means being surrounded by crafts, books, and music and not being stuck in an office. It means educating our future generation. And if somebody has to do it, it should be somebody who is passionate about it.

So what motivates me to study? It is so simple, it is the kids.

by Savannah Stamates

I lay awake at night and practice my first morning message to my first round of students whom I will not meet for more than a year.

I wonder if I will have hungry children, happy children, or broken children. I wonder if I will be good enough or strong enough to reach those most in need.  I wonder if my students will trust me enough to tell me that they are hungry, happy, or scared.

I worry that I will not be strong enough to share their burden or provide a place for peace and learning. I worry that I will misread their actions or their words or miss them reaching out.

So I study, even when I am tired from working two jobs or sick of not being where I want to be. When my time comes to walk into that classroom, my worries and doubts will be silenced by the knowledge I have mastered and the dream I have finally achieved.

by Charity Latchman

Dreams for the future are subjective. They can be based on what we desire. But visionary dreams are not only for us. Imagine asking some of the greatest revolutionaries and pioneers about their dreams. They generally had others in mind. In the famous “I have a Dream” speech, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr said “we” more than thirty times. Dreams are not for our benefit alone, but to encourage, inspire and benefit others.

Recently I graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in English literature. During my studies, I was cared for my disabled mother. She was a religious studies professor who inculcated me with a diligent and steadfast approach to schoolwork. Managing the role of caregiver with university studies was challenging. But the goal to become a teacher kept me going. Approaching graduation, my mother was diagnosed with throat cancer. She didn’t worry about herself as much as you might expect but kept pushing me to finish the final paper in the program.

With her encouragement, my faith, and a burning desire to teach English literature, I graduated. My motivation comes from wanting to help, to encourage, and to inspire others.  Teaching is an act of giving that has its own rewards.  Life’s trials bring ups and downs. But we must always strive to attain our dreams, especially when others are central to them.

by Katheryn England

As a high school senior, many people assume I’m prepared for college and know what I want to study after graduation. These assumptions cause me to experience moments of self-doubt. Then I re-evaluate what I want for myself, and what it is that keeps me working towards my dreams. Through the goals I’ve set for myself, I can maintain focus, move past my self-doubt and succeed. By focusing on my goals, I can make a difference in the world directly around me.

A goal I have in my life is to be an elementary teacher, also known as an early childhood teacher. As a teacher,  I can share the knowledge I’ve gained to leave behind a better future for our world .

Last year, I had the opportunity to work alongside a previous elementary teacher and mentor of mine. I’d visit her classroom daily, and taught lessons alongside her or independently. Uniquely, they were the opening act in my high school’s original winter play. They read first-hand from our scripts and learned what happens behind the scenes. Showing a new part of the world to the youth of my community has motivated me to pursue my dreams.

Remembering this experience and the positive influence I had on those students helps me overcome self-doubt and stay focused on my goals. Thanks to the goals I’ve set for my life, I not only can find purpose for my efforts, but find the will to be confident in whatever choices I make.

by Emma Lillard-Geiser

I have always known that I would become two things: a mother and a teacher. What I didn’t know is that I would become the mother before the teacher. Having a child that depends on me is what fuels my desire to succeed in life. When I get frustrated with my studies I take a deep breath, look at my daughter, and know that I have reason to persevere. I know that one hour of studying will give me hours with my daughter as soon as I am done.

My mother is a teacher and growing up I cherished learning from her. She had knowledge that I admired and I quickly realized that I had to spend my whole life learning. I love to learn, to have that light go off in my head when it all just clicks.

I cannot wait to see that light in the eyes of my daughter and my future students.  For every thing that I learn, is another thing I can teach someone else.  It isn’t easy to study when you have a small child to take care of but I know that my education will provide me with the ability to take care of her for the rest of our lives.

2. Help Disadvantaged Students

Students are disadvantaged for many reasons, whether it’s because of a handicap, where they live, economic disadvantage or a language barrier.

Future educators may want to become teachers so they can make a difference in the lives of students who face extra learning challenges. This special interest often comes from the future teacher’s own experience, either personally or involving people they’ve known.

by Ian T Thomason

While attending the University of Minnesota-Mankato, I have aspirations of becoming a Special Education Teacher. Becoming a Special Education Teacher and helping students who have a need for extra help and students who are having troubles with everyday life are things that I dream of doing.  I was in their shoes once and know how difficult it is to deal with everyday life and how nice it was have a teacher to talk to.

Becoming a Special Education Teacher is my ultimate goal and, when difficult times arise, I have to remind myself of the children out there who have it potentially worse than I. When I remember this, I also think back to all of the support that I had from my parents, family members, and teachers. I also know that there are lots of children who don’t have this type of support and, if I can be there for them, that would make my career choice all the more worth it.

My Special Education degree is something more than just a degree for me. It is a degree that allows me to help children improve their education. I realize that children are our future and that their minds are terrible things to waste. So, instead of wasting their minds, why not put our best foot forward to educate them? My dream is to help kids realize their full potential, promote education and a brighter future for every child.

by Katherine

Motivation allows you to persist through difficult circumstances. Mine comes from a desire to grow into an instructor who is able to make a difference to many children’s lives.

In elementary school, I actually was a special education student. I’ve had to work hard most days of my life to achieve anything. I could not have succeeded without the support of some absolutely amazing teachers. Now I desire to take on that supporting role for as many students as I can reach.

When a class or an assignment I don’t want to do come up, I think of what motivates me. And the motivation is children. Many students feel powerless about their education, just like I did.  I could be a teacher who turns their education around, providing vital support and motivation to succeed at their studies.  Ultimately, everyone motivates themselves by one way or another. My motivation comes from the pure desire to help future students.

by Robbie Watson

My road to graduate school has been a long one. I studied religion and culture in undergrad, interested in the material, yet not sure how I would apply it later. Yet I found places, got involved in community and international development, engaged with different cultures, and now feel I use my degree every day.

For over two years I worked alongside Congolese refugees in Rwanda, developing educational opportunities for youths who could not finish secondary school in the underfunded camps. It is these refugees, young and old, the students, the teachers, their passion and vision for a better future that has driven me to seek out more education for myself. I remember how they would pay from their families’ meager funds to attend classes led by volunteer teachers. When finances were against them, or time, or family obligations, or the dire depression of the camp life itself, or even government officials were against them, still those students attended, still those teachers taught.

It is their example of perseverance towards a goal against all odds that inspires me now. I think of them often, think of the friends they were, are still. And I think of how that passion is in me now, to better understand education so that I might better educate, and thus equip such downtrodden communities to work for transformation themselves. I work not only for myself, and am motivated by the potential in those students and educators, which is also in me, and in others like them.

by Natalie Pelayo

I’m a young Latino woman working towards the goal of earning a bachelor degree in bilingual education. On occasions, I feel a slowing in my motivation. But, every time it happens, I think about the goal and that pushes me to move forward.

Looking back to a middle school class I attended, there was a boy who never really participated. He sat in his hoodie, looking down to his desk. Only after trying to talk with him, I discovered he spoke with broken English and a thick Spanish accent. It seemed as if no-one in our class actually knew that he struggled to understand what was being taught because it was presented in English.

By his manner, it was apparent that he had already accepted a dismal fate. Past teachers may have been unable to communicate with him. Eventually, he’d become demoralized.  Thinking about the disadvantages he had to endure provides ongoing motivation to study hard.

I aim to become a bilingual elementary school teacher to support young Spanish-speaking children. As a teacher, I’ll be able to show them that they can succeed. Children need not grow up thinking they’re incapable of learning due to a language barrier. I’ll keep working towards my goal to help ensure teaching is inclusive of all children, no matter their first language.

by Abigail Young

I am an American citizen, but my whole life I have lived in Cameroon, Africa. I have been blessed with an enormous amount of opportunities and a great education at a private international school.

Every day I have seen children and teenagers around me who do not get the same education or have the same possibilities of a “bright” future. I see schools that are forced to have three children share a small table, paper, and pens. I have seen a badly lit room with poor roofs and walls made from bricks. Even in my school there are numerous Cameroonians, my friends, and classmates that do not have the same chances at a higher level education, although they work just as hard.

When I study, I study hard because I do not want to let this chance and opportunity go to waste. I study because I have been undeservedly blessed to be able to go the United States for a high education with better chances at getting scholarship money. I study my hardest because  it is my dream that I may come back and make a difference in countries like Africa with poor education systems . It should be a right for children to be able to learn like I have. Therefore, because of this mindset, I am driven to study not just out of thankfulness for my circumstances, but also in hope that I may be able to give other children a better chance, and a greater reason to study.

3. Helping Many People Is Achievable in Teaching

A powerful source of motivation for some education students is the potential to touch and positively impact the lives of many people. Education is a field of consequence and that’s a good reason for wanting to join the teaching profession.

Over the course of a long career, a classroom teacher may help shape the learning experience of hundreds or even thousands of students. In policy roles, educators can affect millions of people.

by Rachel Bayly

Through high school I worked as a teacher at a daycare. When I left for college I said goodbye to a lot of people, including my students. All summer I had woken up at five in the morning to go to work and wait for them to arrive and put a smile on my face. Those kids motivated me to keep waking up and working hard, and leaving them was not easy.

The thing that made that goodbye worth it, the reason that I keep pushing through this tying chapter of my life is that  I am determined to improve early childhood education in the United States .

I want to be a positive force in the lives of as many children as I possibly can, and I plan on doing that by improving standards and policies for early childhood education and making it more affordable.

Every week I write in my planner, “I will make a difference” and one way that I will change the lives of children and families. On days that I find myself asking, “why am I here?” “why am I going into debt, paying to be stressed out all the time?” I think of my students. I read my “I will make a difference” statements.

I remember that some children out there are stuck in low quality child care centers, they will never reach their full potential, and they need help. I keep working hard everyday so that I can help those children.

by Megan Burns

My ultimate goal is to change the lives of people. Studying to be a teacher is hard. All of the classes that are required, all of the practicums, and all of the time spent just to become a teacher is stressful, but the thought of being able to help just one person changes everything.

It takes one person to be a light in someone’s life. It take one person to be a helping hand. It takes one person to change an unmotivated, broken life, and make it brand new. Qualified teachers are those people.  We motivate students to do their best, we guide students to success when no one else will, and we are always available to listen.  One teacher can change the lives of thousands of students. That is my motivation.

I know that after college, I will be a teacher, a guider, a counselor, and a friend to so many students. No matter how many bad days I have or how many times I want to quit, I just think of what is to come in the future. I can be that change this world needs, even if its in a small high school classroom. It just takes one person.

by Victoria Shoemkaer

My dream is to make a difference in the life of children.

• To make them excited about learning.
• To make it fun the way it used to be when they were younger.
• To show them that someone cares about them and wants to see them succeed.
• To show that they are much more that a test score or a number.
• To believe in them so much, that I do not let them get discouraged from chasing their dreams.
• To showing them that everyone fails and it’s your recovery that determines what happens next.
• To sacrifice myself to gives them more opportunities for success.
• To encourage students to succeed in and out of the classroom for the betterment of themselves and the community.
• To inspire them to change the world, because they can.
• To help them transform into caring and compassionate adults who are ready to conquer the word, but remember where they came from.
• To teach them to do good in the world because anyone can accomplish doing well.

Most importantly, my dream is to make children feel like their voice is important and valued and that they are loved more than they know.

4. Lives Can Be Improved by Dedicated Instructors

Teaching a subject such as Math or English is the everyday task of a teacher. But our prospective teachers see a greater purpose in their training and career path.

The daily motivation to teach doesn’t come from the superficial advantages of a teaching career, such as great job security or extra vacation time. Here are stories by future educators who want to go beyond the curriculum and improve people’s lives all round.

by Savannah Luree Weverka

Teachers are the ones who ignited my love for learning and there is not a day that goes by when I do not challenge myself to a personal goal of lifelong learning.

My mother is a teacher, so I was a student educated in an institution filled with support and a home that also supported education. I recall many teacher “get-togethers” and Husker parties where an informal invitation led to my presence.

Due to all of this support and interaction received throughout my elementary and high school career, Elementary Education continues to be at the top of my career choices. And now, as a senior looking forward to graduating from high school,  teachers remain my role models .

In considering a focus in Elementary Education, I now realize that many teachers not only teach children eight hours of the day, but become doctors for scraped knees, dictionaries for challenging words, mediators between students, and parents away from home.

Now, as I am taking the steps to make my dream come true I hope to make school an escape to free their minds and expand their knowledge. I want to share my love of learning with my students.

by Aaron Banta

Since I was younger, I have had the dream of becoming a history teacher at the high school level. The reason I am striving for this career is thanks to a teacher I had.  They held such a passion for history and taught it so well that it made me want to keep learning everything I could about it.

In college, I have had to work multiple jobs and attend school full-time. I would wake up early in the morning and not get home until late at night. The one thing that kept me on top of my studying and work was the dream I have; to be able to teach history and express my love for it by teaching the next generation. I strive to impact their lives for the better just like mine was.

Being able to pass my courses and get a degree and teaching credentials is the first main goal I am striving for. But being able to have a positive impact on students I have will be an even greater goal that I want to accomplish. I am hoping to guide them through their study of my favorite subject so I can teach them about the world and help them just like my teacher had helped me.

by Chelsea Rogers

At USC Upstate, I am studying to be a Secondary Education Mathematics teacher. The math courses are not easy and the education courses pushes you to challenge yourself. The thought of being a future teacher is what motivates me to keep pushing.

Although I do not know any of my students, they are precious to me and I believe it is my job to change their lives for the better.  Teaching math is my job, but looking beyond my content and into the wellbeing of my students is my passion.

The question I always ask myself is how can I teach students who may not trust me? I have to establish a connection with each student so that they will see I care about them academically, physically, and emotionally. Once students see that you care about them in these areas, it becomes easier to teach them and they are willing to perform to the best of their ability because they know their teacher supports them 100 percent. Being a great teacher is what motivates me to continue striving for my degree.

by Micayla Watroba

One plus one is two. Phone is pronounced with an F sound. 60 divided by 15 is 4. An essay typically has five paragraphs. I know all these things because I went to school. I also had teachers that helped me understand it even when I didn’t get the same opportunities as everyone else.

See, when I was in first grade I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. This made school very hard. I was either out of school so often that I missed entire chapters or I was bullied so badly that I couldn’t focus because I was so scared. Having cancer also made it hard for my mom and dad to pay for food and rent much less after school activities and tutoring. I grew up knowing that there were some things that were just not in reach for us. 

For as bad as I had it, I can’t imagine having to live on the streets, going hungry, or even being taught in a language I don’t know.

My dream is to be the teacher that makes sure that every student gets an education that helps them succeed.  I want to make sure that my students not only enjoy being at school but feel safe while there.  My students will know that it doesn’t matter where they came from or what background they came from. I am going to be there and I will not leave them behind. This is my dream.

5. Promote Lifelong Learning in Young People

What inspires some people to become teachers is the power to set young people on the right education path. Helping children to have good early experiences and embrace the learning process can profoundly enhance someone’s life. The potential for transformative early development applies to handicapped and disadvantaged kids as much as anyone.

by Lesley Martinez-Silva

I aspire to make a difference in others’ lives through education. I’m studying to be an elementary school teacher because I believe that children can achieve so much more if they learn early of their potential.

Education has always been my priority. My parents always stressed the importance of obtaining an education, having missed that opportunity themselves. My parents taught me as a child that schooling was vital to success in life. Truly, that lesson has been the most important in my path to college. I don’t think I would’ve made it this far had I not taken my education seriously.

I want to teach others about the importance of education so they too can prosper.  Everything I’m learning at university is important for my future career and, if I don’t study it, I’m failing my future students. Every child deserves the best education available and I should strive to be the best educator possible to provide that for them. When balancing academics, work, and my social life, it can get challenging to keep going. But, with the future of children’s education in my hands, I always get back on track.

by Brianna Rivers

One of my goals is to become a teacher and work in an public elementary school within the greater Boston area (possibly my own elementary school). I want to be a teacher because I enjoy working with children and I know how important teachers are in children’s lives. I plan on receiving my Bachelor’s degree for Early Childhood Education and my Master’s degree in Special Education.

I want to major in Early Childhood Education because  early education is significant for children and is a building block for their future in learning . I also want to major in Special Education because I believe all children should receive equal learning opportunities as well as equal treatment (meaning an inclusive environment, etc).

I think all of my experiences have a positive impact on myself because I am learning more about what it takes to be a teacher and what it takes to be a good teacher. My experiences also have a positive impact on the children and adults I work with. I offer a helping hand to the teachers and a friendly face to the children.

I plan to continue to work hard and take advantage of learning opportunities to achieve both of my goals. Being a teacher is my desire and I will stop at nothing to be a great teacher one day.

by Jennamarie Moody

When I close my eyes, I picture myself in a school located in an urban setting, teaching a classroom of diverse yet alike students. These students are in the second grade, meaning that they are impressionable yet vulnerable to their environment whether this means at home, at school, or in their greater community.

Some of these students don’t speak English as their first language, and some come from low-income households that can limit their educational experiences outside of the classroom. And yet, no matter what differences these students bring to the table, their uniqueness flows throughout the classroom in such a positive energy that embraces, respects, and promotes learning. This is the goal I am working towards; the goal  to inspire our youth to become self-advocates for their learning .

Opportunities for equal educational experiences may not exist, however the beauty lies in the growth of love young students can develop as they are challenged in the classroom to question their surroundings. I plan to make a difference in the lives of the children I meet along the way, and to create a safe learning environment.

Although the tests for certification and studies can be difficult, my passion for education and dedication to shaping the lives of my students is what keeps me going. The end goal is to nurture the development of my students to become active and engaged participants in society, and that is what I intend to do completely.

by Julie Anderson

My long-time goal has been to become a teacher, and this year I’m in a class called Teachers for Tomorrow, where I get to shadow a kindergarten teacher. Working with her and the students has increased my interest in children with special needs.

From here on out, I want to support my students in academics and other parts of their lives so I can help them learn, grow, and succeed. I know that children need a strong start to their school career because the first few years of school are crucial; this is when students begin to love or hate learning itself. Whether or not children enjoy school, they deserve to appreciate learning. Students who love learning will always want to improve themselves.

I will make an effort to provide a loving environment where each child can prosper. However, for students with special needs, this task becomes even harder to accomplish because traditional classrooms are usually set up for non-disabled students.  While I know I can’t “save” every student I teach, and some of them will still hate learning, at least I can start them off right.

When I’m swamped with schoolwork, I will imagine my future students and how I could influence their lives. Even though not all of my college classes will relate to my major, forming a habit of working hard in college will help me to succeed as a future teacher.

6. Teachers Are Excellent Role Models

The experience of being helped and transformed by a good teacher leaves a lasting impression. Teaching is considered a noble profession for good reasons.

Some education students are motivated to become a teacher to emulate their own role models. They want to provide the same kind of service they once received. An added reason for pursuing a teaching career is to be a role model to younger people outside the classroom, including one’s own children.

by Teresa Pillifant

My first day – well, more like first semester- of my freshman year in high school was the hardest semester of my whole school career. Usually the kind of student who loves school, I found myself getting stomach aches in the morning and dreading school with my whole being. I was new to the school, and the number of students was overwhelming.

It seemed like there was no relief, except for my first hour Spanish class. Having no friends, I would always arrive at my first hour class early. As this pattern continued, my Spanish teacher and I developed a relationship. My teacher started giving me books to read, asking my opinion on what we should do in class and just talked to me in general about life. Through my teacher’s support, I grew to find my place in the school and became more confident.

Her kind words and actions inspired me to become a teacher myself.  Now, whenever school or life gets difficult, I think of my freshmen year Spanish teacher and how she inspired me. I want to do what she did for me for my future students. Whether it be a difficult test or a challenging class, my goal of making a difference in a student’s life keeps me going.

by Mo Cabiles

The world we live in is hard, unsteady and ruthless. We see this everyday in the harshness of homelessness, to social media screaming for justice. What motivates me to continue on is that I have felt the bitter cold bite of homelessness. I know what it’s like to not have enough to eat and to be scared of what will happen next.

I am fortunate to no longer be in those situations but that, by no means, is an indicator that it will all now come easy. As an adult learner and your “non-traditional” student, there are other obstacles I must overcome. From transportation to childcare or education application mastery to APA formatting, the many roadblocks I tackle both large and small are what I consider to be my victories.

I’ve seen what having a higher education can do for someone and I want that for myself and that of my daughters.  I strive to be a good example for them , to show them that, regardless of social standing and unforeseeable circumstances, if they work hard and put their best effort forward, they can achieve their dreams.

My dream is to obtain my Masters in Education with an emphasis in counseling. I want to be an academic advisor or guidance counselor. I’ve seen so many youths attempt community college and fail because they fell through the cracks. These students need to realize their potential and I want to help them achieve that and to be their cheerleader.

by Gia Sophia Sarris

In every school I’ve ever attended, experienced teachers were there to support and inspire me. I have looked up to these people ever since I was in elementary school, and they have had an immense and positive impact on my life and my view of the world.  My fondness for these people [educators] has led me to aspire to become a teacher.

I want to “pay it forward” and improve the lives of children and teenagers who grow up struggling as I did, or in any way for that matter. I want to make a difference in their lives and let them know that they are not alone with their problems.

This is what motivates me to study hard. Becoming a teacher, I believe, will help me fulfill my purpose in life, which I think is to create happiness and ease the burdens of others. I feel that children and teenagers need this especially, because they are struggling to understand the world and their place in it. I study hard for their sake.

by Jennifer Wolfert

From elementary school to my first year at college, I struggled to establish a dream for myself. Trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue as successful adult always filled me with anxiety. I had spent multiple years in special education and left with a low academic self-esteem. So, after high school I attended Bucks County Community College in search for more time. Still I made no progress. Then I decided to change my outlook. I stopped asking “what do I want to do?” and started asking “who do I want to be?”. That’s when my dream took shape.

The educators that I met during my time at community college were my inspiration.  They are brilliant, hardworking people with a passion for their specialty that I had never seen before. Their belief in hard work was infectious. School began to fill me with excited anticipation and my grades improved. I started to believe that if I worked hard enough then I could be like them and inspire others like they had inspired me.

At the end of my second year attending community college, I accomplished a task that had previously racked me with fear. I applied to Temple University as a Secondary English Education major. I have now completed my second semester at Temple and earned my first 4.0 GPA. In time, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my dream. I will become the passionate and inspiring educator that my younger self never had.

by Jenyfer Pegg

My entire life has been filled with discouragement. I grew up in a household where I was constantly told “No”. I was told my ideas were stupid and would not work. In my junior year of high school, my teachers and counselors started talking about college and sending in applications to different places. At that point, I knew I was not going. I came from a poor family and I knew we could never have money for something like college.

But I went on college visits, I listened to people speak about their college, and I was set. I had a lot of things pushing me, except the one thing I really wanted, my family. No one in my family has gone to college, and when I told my mother, she was shocked. She told me she just wanted me out of the house.

When I came to school, I realized I wanted to teach high school. I want to make an actual difference in someone else’s life. My family has taken the same road for years, and I’m not going down that road. I won’t live paycheck to paycheck like my mom, I will be a person that others will look up to.

I’m going to do something worthwhile, and I will work harder than anyone else if it gets me there.  I’ve seen what my life will be like without school and motivation and there is absolutely no way I’m going down that road. I’ve got bigger plans.

7. Unlock the Success Potential of Students

Educators want to help students in every way they can but, for some future teachers, the focus is on helping students soar. That child in front of you in the classroom might grow up to do great things for society, raise a strong family, or just be happy and fulfilled.

Whatever the potential of a pupil, a teacher’s job is to help unlock talents and remove any barriers to future success.

by Tamara Vega

The thing that motivates me the most is the thought of having my own classroom someday. I want to be the teacher that changes a child’s life, inspires them to set high goals for themselves and encourages them to reach it.

College can be so hard at times and I get really anxious and scared. I worry about not passing my classes and exams, I worry about not getting my degree. Despite that I do not give up because I have to do this and I want to do this.

I cannot see myself doing anything else besides teaching, I have never been this passionate about something. I want to graduate and get my degree. I’d love to look at it and say, “I worked hard for this and I earned it”.

The idea that the students in my classroom could grow up to cure cancer, or become president, pretty much anything they want, brings me so much excitement.   I want to be the teacher that they remember, the one who helped them realize their dream and who gave them the knowledge needed to reach it.

Be the teacher that I needed as a child but unfortunately never had. That is what gets me through all the stress and anxiety, I know in my heart that all the studying I’m doing right now will be worth it in the end.

by Nicole Gongora

The dream of success motivates me to study – not my success, my future students’ success. I push myself through the rough spots for them.

I was a lost child in high school; I didn’t know how to apply to college, let alone afford it. No child should have to experience that. As a future educator, I am committed to helping my students succeed, achieve more, and continue onto higher education.  Every child should be given the opportunity to showcase their strengths and follow their dreams.

College was never a dream for me; it was a far off, unattainable fantasy. I met some inspiring teachers in high school who encouraged me to change my life and who helped me to thrive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I plan to work at a low-income school similar to the one I attended. These types of schools are the ones who lack resources. I will serve as a resource to my students and I hope to be an inspiration to them. In turn, I hope they become kind, respectful adults. I want them to see the virtue in helping others and I hope they will serve others in their future careers. I want to be the teacher they remember. I want to be the teacher that helped them succeed.

I’ll feel successful as a teacher if my students are successful in attaining their goals. If one student decides to achieve more then I will have lived out my dream.

by Madison Sherrill

I’ve decided to become a teacher because I want to show the value of compassion and diversity.

As I begin college this upcoming fall, my main motivation is the students. While I haven’t even met them yet, they inspire me to persist in my classes and stay optimistic.  My classroom will support innovative thinking and celebrate each student’s individuality.

As a classroom teacher, I want to encourage and positively influence the next generation. They should know that they can be successful and achieve what they aspire to become while making the world better. By teaching the value of inclusiveness and the power of kindness, my students may turn out to be visionary thinkers and leading members of society.

by Alicia Costin

I am returning to school after taking a few years off. After graduating from California Lutheran University with my BS in Mathematics, I wanted to land a job with benefits and begin my “adult life”.

While it took me a few months to find my current job, is it just that; a job. I have benefits, a full-time schedule, weekends and holidays off, but am I happy? Is this what I want to do as a career for the rest of my life? I have asked myself this question a few times and the answer is always the same; no.

My dream is to become a teacher and help motivate and encourage students to do their best in their studies and in life.  It is my dream to do what I was meant to do; shape young minds and help future generations.

When things become difficult during my graduate program, I know to keep pushing, thriving, and studying hard so that, when I do become a teacher, I can use this as a positive story to shape their way of life. I landed a job outside of college, however now it is time for me to land my career.

Related Posts

Who taught the first teacher, what can i do with a master’s in education, why teaching is still a good career choice, how to become a homeschool teacher.

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Why I Want to Be a Teacher

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Published: Mar 18, 2021

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Special education teachers.

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Special education teachers have an array of responsibilities when teaching students. In addition to the traditional responsibilities of teachers, special education teachers must determine the best way to meet the educational needs of the individual and the class. This can be a complicated task, as the needs of the students may vary. In order to explore how special education teachers operate, an interview was conducted. This interview helped me to gain an understanding of different ways special education teachers help to educate students and the challenges they face on a daily basis.

In order to gain a better grasp of the challenges special education teachers face, I interviewed a special education teacher that has a decade of experience. Mrs. Smith works in a midwestern school, and has a class of twenty special education students. Mrs. Smith has a decade of experience and masters in special education. One of the first questions I asked her was how she differentiates between the disabilities students are suffering from. For her, each student is individual and she does not let their disability define their learning. Instead, she tries to challenge her students on a daily basis, regardless of their disability. However, she does take note of the different types of disabilities represented in her classroom. For example, there is a difference between students with learning disorders, students with emotional problems and students with physical disabilities. The degree to which the student understands the concepts covered in the class tends to vary. It is further important for special education teachers to understand the different medical illnesses students suffer from, as exposure to certain stimuli may produce undesirable effects. Despite the importance of knowing the different disabilities represented in the classroom, it is crucial not to label students based on their disabilities (Wilmhurst & Brue, 2005).

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The needs of the students in the class tend to vary. Some students have mild learning disabilities and simply need additional attention or help in understanding the material. Other students in the class have physical disabilities that prevent them from functioning at a high level. In other situations, the teacher may need to modify the existing lesson plan for students with physical disabilities, such as wheel chairs (Colarusso & O’Rourke, 2004). However, the teacher that was interviewed for this project helped me to understand that these modifications are often easily made. Mrs. Smith helped me to understand that simply changing lesson plans is important so that no student feels left out. She further told me that these changes often come easily to her, as she thinks of her students in every lesson plan and the activities they can complete. However it is likely that over a decade of experience coupled with her education has helped Mrs. Smith to master the art of substitution in lesson plans.

There is no one characteristic that can be ascribed to all student’s in Mrs. Smith’s class. Instead, Mrs. Smith reports a great deal of variability in terms of what each student can do. Some student’s function better in groups while others function better when taught individually. Mrs. Smith further expressed how lucky she was to have three teachers’ aides that help students to learn. However, Mrs. Smith still reports that in some situations it is difficult to educate the students, as each student has different needs. The educational implications tend to vary. Although each grade has skills they are supposed to master, in some situations it is not feasible that the student will master these skills. Furthermore, Mrs. Smith reports that external support (such as family members, friends and other individuals that may work with the students) is another factor that directly influences the student’s ability to master skills. Furthermore, the types of services the child is able to access and the age of diagnosis are two additional factors that have been shown to influence a student’s successes in special education (Groof & Lauwers, 2003). In being realistic, Mrs. Smith reports that not every student will master every skill. However, it is important to help the child to develop confidence in their abilities.

Mrs. Smith reported multiple concerns in the classroom. One of the main concerns was the lack of time and support given to special needs students. Although many of the students are able to grasp different concepts, it is likely that if there were more support (from parents or additional teacher’s aides) that the students would be able to gain an in-depth understanding of other concepts. Another concern is how to keep the students motivated. Students with certain learning disabilities or emotional problems often get distracted. Mrs. Smith has found that keeping the entire classroom engaged for an activity can be difficult. However, Mrs. Smith did discuss how rewarding it is when each student masters a new skill. Even though classroom management and engagement can be difficult attributes, Mrs. Smith believes helping students to learn is a gratifying experience.

Although there are many issues that make teaching special education students complicated, Mrs. Smith reported she is truly happy in what she does. Mrs. Smith further reported that she would never give up being a special education teacher, as she believes it is one of the most rewarding careers. Through this interview, I gained an in-depth understanding of what special education teachers go through on a daily basis. This interview further helped me to understand how rewarding being a special education teacher can be.

• Colarusso R., O’Rourke C. (2004) Special Education for all Teachers. New York: Kendal/Hunt Publishing.
• Groof J.D., Lauwers G. (2003) Special Education. New Jersey: Sage.
• Wilmhurst L., Brue A.W. (2005) A Parent’s Guide to Special Education: Insider Advice on How to Navigate the System and Help Your Child Succeed. New York: AMACOM.

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