My Goals In the Field of Special Education

The time is now to become a Special Education Teacher. I believe the best fit for my academic and vocational goals is the UWM Exceptional Education Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program.

I have been a teacher of students with special needs for the last couple of years in alternative settings. The students I like best tend to be the most challenging both behaviorally and academically. Success can be more apparent, yet at times there is frustration. I feel I am good at it, but need to learn more. Most importantly I love teaching kids with special challenges. The key is to be creative and keep trying.

Perhaps the most important experience during my more formative years was my experience with YMCA camping. I was a camper, counselor, summer camp administrative staff, year-round professional and Camp Executive. I first learned of the satisfaction enjoyed when you help others find self-confidence and success. These years led me into teaching.

My first classroom experience was in a central Phoenix, Arizona classroom. I taught 8th grade Civics within a K-8 school. This was a great time to integrate what I had learned at the University of Wisconsin – Madison with the experiences of camp. My first classroom was a portable double-wide trailer. The students were a diverse mix of white, Hispanic, Native American and African American. It was an interesting time to be teaching civics. The Rodney King beating in Los Angeles was much in the news and was easily integrated into many government related discussions. I loved it.

Due to family commitments my career changed course as we moved back to Wisconsin. I began a career within YMCA camping. During this period I developed skills around building teamwork and self-c...

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...o their home school and realized success again within a mainstreamed environment. Perhaps I had a small part to play in his success.

All of these experiences helped me realize that I am at my best when given a chance to build relationships. Special Education is based a great deal on one to one relationships. There are more opportunities for close interaction and long-term relationship building through a student’s academic career. Many times there is an opportunity for a Special Education Teacher to see a student over many years. What an opportunity! I want to learn more.

I have been told my strengths for teaching students with disabilities are: patience, acceptance, flexibility, creativity and an ability to relate to the students. I want to take these skills and use them to create a vibrant, active and fun learning environment as a Special Education Teacher