Exceptional Education Teacher
Antwan, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
College Attended: University of Mississippi (undergrad), American InterContinental University (grad)
What inspires you?
As a high school educator, delayed gratification is the name of the game. As we mold freshmen into respectful, yet strong-willed individuals, the process can seem endless. From difficult conversations to celebrating wins big and small, the interactions with your students begin to slowly mold them into the prideful young adults you want them to be. Seeing this change over the course of 4 years is the greatest inspiration one could desire. Teaching with great intentions truly changes lives.
Tell me about your job. What attracted you to this career?
I currently work as a high school Inclusion-Exceptional Education teacher. In this role, I work alongside General Education teachers with an emphasis on providing additional support to students with learning disabilities or simply have gaps in learning, but may not be identified as exceptional. This role requires extensive knowledge in differentiated instruction, learning disabilities, developmental delays and writing and implementing Individual Education Plans. Pro-active collaboration and planning with co-teachers and parents yield the best achievement outcomes for students.
After college I worked in Community Mental Health with children and adults with multiple mental health diagnoses. As a result, I was intrigued by the special circumstances many of the families endured while battling these diagnoses. School seemed to be a difficult task for most of the children and communication with the schools were the parents’ biggest challenge. This observation led me to the decision to work with some of these same children from the school perspective and possibly make the journey easier for them and their families.
What obstacles did you overcome to get to this point in your career?
When you have a passion for your job, it is very easy to get discouraged when your intervention doesn’t work on the first try. You learn quickly that learning is a process for both you and your students. Also, doing a job that is so nuanced can never be done well without collaboration with a team and continued growth. My biggest obstacle was overcoming the urge to tackle my job alone instead of involving my team of professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that are integral to the students’ success.
How does a person progress in your field?
Progress in the field of Exceptional Education/Education in general comes through continued education and training in the field, consistent collaboration with others in your field, and creating opportunities for the areas you want to advance into by asking the questions and putting in the work necessary to show your dedication to the job that you want.
Do you have any advice you would like to give future and current college students?
I would advise any college student to take advantage of all of the resources possible in your chosen field. Internships, studying abroad, networking, shadowing etc. will be the best methods of learning you will ever experience.