Honestly, I have always wanted to become a teacher. I was the kid who loved going to school and loved learning over how much I loved recess and gym. For a while, I thought for sure that I was going to teach English, but then realized what I truly wanted to do was work with students who have disabilities. If someone were to ask me why I wanted to become a special education teacher, I could not give them one direct answer as to why. There are so many reasons why I want to become a SPED teacher.
One reason why I want to become a SPED teacher is that I have a familiar and personal experience with someone with a disability. My cousin is autistic, and I couldn't as for a better person to grow up with, who let me enter his world. By having a personal experience with someone with a disability, it allowed me to see another side of someone with a disability. A side that is happy, capable, and creative.
I know what it is like to be told I won't be successful because I don't understand how to learn a complete concept. I get what it is like not to be able to concentrate. I get what it is like to have a melt down because you can't complete an assignment. I get what it is like to get kicked out of a classroom. I get what it is like to be misunderstood. I get what it is like to be doubted. I get it. I get what it is like at some level. I want to be able to give those with a disability a chance, and for them to know that they are valued and they can achieve. I want them to understand that I get them. You have a friend in me.
Any teacher can have a lasting impact on a student, but I think a SPED teacher can have a greater impact on a student. Chances are you won't work with these students for just a year, but for several years. You become a family. You advocate for them. Coming to school may be the best part of their day. You will know them inside and out. You are able to say I made a difference or that "I taught them that" at the end of the day.
I believe that every child has the right to have an education no matter their circumstances. I am a big believer in everyone having equal chances at being successful, and the best way to act on that is giving a back as a SPED teacher.
As a SPED teacher you learn more from your students than what they may learn from you.
They teach you patience.
They teach you to be optimistic.
They teach you to have a thick skin.
They teach you how to have a great sense of humor.
They teach you acceptance.
They teach you different ways of viewing the world.
I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life other than being a Special Education teacher. Nothing to me is more rewarding than it. Yes, it's frustrating, but knowing that you are making a different in a student's life makes it all worth it.
