I teach English 9, English 11, physics in the universe, and special day classes. For a few years before, I was a para educator and I enjoyed working with special ed kids. I could really see the positive impact that a small group setting has directly on students and it feels very gratifying and meaningful to see them move forward. When the opportunity came, I decided to go into special ed teaching. 

My favorite part of working with students is seeing them grow throughout the years. Seeing their transition as carefree child in 9th grade to maturing into young adults in 12th grade is satisfying to see. One of my best memories was recently, when I saw one of my past students in the hallway. She has thrived so much since I taught her, which has really been gratifying for me. Originally, she experienced some challenges but after making progress in her work, she became more mature and succeeded in her classes with increasing grades. 

I like to have my classroom be a learning studio as it is catered towards the needs of each student. In our classes, we always do a lot of career and transition activities for our students. This year, I am going to work with some of the general education and elective teachers so they can show my students how to take up those electives and move into careers like photography or digital imaging. And although the curriculum that I teach may be taught differently, it is still the same standards that other teachers use.