Resource - Special Education Teacher

There were many factors that influenced me to pursue a career in education. Firstly, I had an exceptional role model in my mother. An educator for forty years, she taught me about dedication and commitment and left a lasting impression on me. I had a desire to follow in her footsteps and make a positive impact on children.

My own struggles with math instilled an understanding for students facing similar challenges. I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers who went above and beyond to support, nurture, and instill confidence in me. While gaining experience in general education I began to see how many of my students needed a more tailored approach. My decision to move into special education felt natural and I was able to offer meaningful opportunities for success and growth that my students needed.

Furthermore, teaching also offers an opportunity to foster a love of learning for children. The right teacher can offer more than "imparting knowledge." Each time a new relationship is formed students feel a sense of belonging and connection. This offers the opportunity to inspire lifelong learning outside of school and classroom walls.

As a special education teacher, I feel a commitment to not only having my students learn new skills and concepts but also to feel supported, valued, and cared for. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that students build knowledge by linking what they already know with new ideas and experiences. Using hands on experiences helps build the connections to create an active learning process. I understand that each student is unique, in learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. To effectively reach each student, I need to understand all aspects of them. By building relationships, I am able to better meet their needs. Through individualized support, a nurturing environment, meaningful experiences, and fostering an inclusive environment I believe that each student can achieve success. One way I ensure my students are connected to the lessons I teach and the word around them is to explore real word purposes with them. By incorporating real life examples my students are able to make meaningful connections facilitating interactive learning.

Bilingual Classroom Assistant

Maria Fendt has been a member of the Elizabeth Public Schools community since 2018 and is currently a bilingual classroom assistant at Nicholas Murray Butler School No. 23.