Resource - Special Education Teacher

The factor that influenced me to choose the profession of teaching is that education has always been a priority of mine. From a young age, I understood the impact of a dedicated teacher. I am proud to have worked for 11 years as a special education teacher for the Elizabeth Public Schools system. I work hard daily to impact the lives of children with disabilities, developmental delays, and learning disorders.

As a product of the Elizabeth Public School system, I valued the impact of good teaching on children’s futures. One of the factors that contributed to my career choice in education was my fifth-grade teacher Charles J. Hudson #25, Mrs. Reyes. Her enthusiasm and friendliness helped me become engaged in her lessons and assisted me in relating them to my own personal experiences. I remember being in her classroom taking educational risks such as participating, presenting, and critiquing others. Being introverted, these tasks were difficult for me, but Mrs. Reyes had an approach that made me feel welcome and safe. I knew from that moment that I wanted to pursue a career in education. I wanted to make children come out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to maximize their opportunities and see possibilities that they might not be aware of on the surface.

Additionally, as a high school scholar at Thomas Edison, I pursued a summer job as a student mentor for the Contagious Curiosity Program. During this time, I had firsthand experience in the classroom educating children. I learned how to create lesson plans and execute small group activities. Through this experience I gained confidence in the ability to create an idea for an activity, and successfully teach it to a group of children. Following this experience, I applied to Kean University to become an education major. Lastly another factor that influenced me to become a teacher was growing up in Elizabeth. I am proud of the education I received within the City of Elizabeth, and I wanted to give back to help students in this urban city to overcome their barriers and be successful in the classroom. I want to not only make a difference in my community but to be the difference by contributing knowledge and passion.

The quote, “Knowledge is Power” sums up the importance of an education. My personal feeling about teaching is that although every teacher has a teaching style, one must teach to the child’s preferred learning style. I believe that it is the teacher’s responsibility to build confidence in our students and motivate them to attempt challenging tasks that are achievable. I believe I am an outstanding teacher because I create lessons that are challenging, yet achievable. I provide my students with opportunities to show growth. I ensure that my students are connected to the world around them by doing current events, taking field trips to the local library and inviting guest speakers and readers to the school, including police officers, fire fighters, and crossing guards. I also believe in a collaborative approach to education with parents, teachers, child study team members and parents; I have found that when everyone works together, student performance and outcomes are greater.

Bilingual Classroom Assistant

Several factors influenced my decision to pursue a career in education, including a passion for education, a desire to make a difference and have an influence on youth as a positive role model, a love for learning, and the ability to use my knowledge, skills, and creativity to have a positive impact on the community.

As a teacher aide in a kindergarten bilingual classroom at Jerome Dunn Academy, my responsibilities are diverse and impactful. My exceptionalism in this role is evident through my ability to seamlessly navigate between languages, providing a bridge for non-native speakers to access learning materials effectively. My duties encompass aiding in classroom management, assisting with lesson preparation, and providing one-on-one support to students with varying needs. My direct impact student success at Jerome Dunn Academy is multifaceted. Firstly, my language proficiency ensures that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, can fully engage in classroom activities and understand instructions. My supportive presence helps create a nurturing learning environment, fostering students confidence and willingness to participate. Additionally, my collaboration with the classroom teacher and other staff members contributes to a cohesive educational experience, promoting holistic development among students. Overall, my dedication, linguistic skills, and collaborative spirit significantly enhance the educational journey of students at Jerome Dunn Academy.