Personal Narrative: An Interview With A Special Education Teacher
I had the opportunity to conduct the interview with Mrs. Jamie Gustafson about her life as a special education teacher. Before the interview I was curious what her duties are every day, why she chose the profession and what she finds challenging and rewarding about her job. I also wondered how she communicates and collaborates with other teachers and parents. I believe, it is very important to talk to other teachers about their jobs and reflect on the actions and intentions of professionals, because I can discover my strengths and talents for teaching as well as identify areas in which I want to improve. Developing a professional curiosity can help me become a reflective teacher and is one of the most powerful ways to become a better, effective
…show more content…
Gustafson motivation for teaching came from her teenage years, especially after one event which inspired her to become a special education teacher. When she was in eighth grade, she started volunteering in the program called TOPSoccer, a soccer program for the kids with disabilities. She played soccer, so her team agreed to be their bodies. It was the first time she interacted with children with special needs because as she said, there were not many students with disabilities when she used to go to school. She truly loved that group of people and she thought that they were wonderful. She also mentioned how sad she was when she thought that the world very often disqualifies people with disabilities and says they are not worth enough. Her desires began to focus on impacting that group of people, she was not quite sure if she should have chosen the profession of nurse, therapist or a teacher. After some time she concluded that she would have the biggest impact on children with disabilities if she became a special education teacher, staying with them and teaching for a few hours every day.
I asked her what she liked best about being a special education teacher. She identified the growth of her students as the most significant part of her job. I was very impressed when she told me about her first grader, who could say nothing but “mama” and “hi” last year, and this school year he has already been using full sentences, writing his name and adding. She expressed her great joy and passion for teaching kids with special needs by indicating that on days where students are celebrating their successes, she is celebrating even
Gustafson motivation for teaching came from her teenage years, especially after one event which inspired her to become a special education teacher. When she was in eighth grade, she started volunteering in the program called TOPSoccer, a soccer program for the kids with disabilities. She played soccer, so her team agreed to be their bodies. It was the first time she interacted with children with special needs because as she said, there were not many students with disabilities when she used to go to school. She truly loved that group of people and she thought that they were wonderful. She also mentioned how sad she was when she thought that the world very often disqualifies people with disabilities and says they are not worth enough. Her desires began to focus on impacting that group of people, she was not quite sure if she should have chosen the profession of nurse, therapist or a teacher. After some time she concluded that she would have the biggest impact on children with disabilities if she became a special education teacher, staying with them and teaching for a few hours every day.
I asked her what she liked best about being a special education teacher. She identified the growth of her students as the most significant part of her job. I was very impressed when she told me about her first grader, who could say nothing but “mama” and “hi” last year, and this school year he has already been using full sentences, writing his name and adding. She expressed her great joy and passion for teaching kids with special needs by indicating that on days where students are celebrating their successes, she is celebrating even