I did not follow the traditional path to becoming a teacher, as teaching was not initially a career I had considered. While some may view this as a disadvantage, I believe my unique journey has provided me with a broader perspective and a stronger work ethic than if I had taken the conventional route. The diverse skills I’ve acquired throughout my life have proven invaluable in my teaching career, enriching my ability to connect with and support my students.
In addition to my work as a special education teacher, my diverse experiences have provided me with a well-rounded skill set that is highly applicable to a special education teaching position. These transferable skills position me to effectively meet the demands of the role and contribute to student success.
Transferrable Skills
Plan, Implement, and Evaluate Effective Instruction
As a direct support professional, I developed and implemented individualized care plans, which is directly transferable to creating and evaluating effective classroom and small group instruction. My experience in adapting activities to meet the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities parallels the process of tailoring instruction to align with district curricula.
Participate in Team Planning and Instructional
Activities
My experience as an office manager involved coordinating with various departments and teams, a skill essential for collaborating with educators and staff to plan and improve instructional practices. Additionally, my role in direct support often required teamwork to ensure comprehensive care, mirroring the collaborative nature of special education teams.
Managing individualized plans in my direct support role translates well to handling IEP case management. My experience in documenting progress, advocating for client needs, and adjusting care plans prepares me for the responsibilities of developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs, as well as facilitating IEP meetings.
Diagnose
and Implement Specially Designed Instruction
My experience in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as my personal experience with children who are neurodivergent and have special dietary needs, equips you with the skills to diagnose and implement Specially Designed Instruction based on IEPs. I am accustomed to using various strategies to meet individual needs, which is key in special education.
Develop
Instructional Goals and Objectives
Setting goals and objectives as an office manager to enhance efficiency, along with creating personalized plans in my direct support role, directly correlates with developing instructional goals and objectives for teaching assignments.
Use
Student Data to Modify Instruction
My role as an office manager involved using data to inform decisions and improve processes. Similarly, as a direct support staff, I monitored and adjusted care based on ongoing assessments. These experiences prepared me to use student data to modify instruction and improve learning outcomes.
Demonstrate
Passion and Enthusiasm for Working with All Children
My personal and professional life demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting individuals with diverse needs. Growing up with a blind parent and raising neurodivergent children who have strict dietary restrictions have fostered a genuine passion for helping all children succeed, regardless of their background or disability.
Recognize
Individual Needs and Provide Strategies
In my direct support role, I developed a keen ability to recognize individual needs and implement appropriate strategies. This is a direct match with the requirement to identify and address the unique needs of students in the classroom.
Foster
a Safe and Positive Learning Environment
Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, along with creating a supportive environment for my children, equipped me with the skills needed to maintain a safe, positive learning environment for students.
Cooperate
with Staff in Implementing Programs
My office management experience involved collaborating with staff to implement programs and activities, similar to working with school staff to execute instructional and activities programs.
Both in my role as an office manager and as a direct support staff, effective communication was critical. My ability to clearly communicate with colleagues, clients, and families prepared me to engage effectively with parents, students, and the school community.
Use
and Integrate Technology
Managing office operations required the use of various technological tools, a skill that can be transferred to integrating educational technology in the classroom. Additionally, my degree in software development has helped give me confidence in my ability to quickly learn and use new technology. I love to find ways to incorporate different technologies into lessons and to share my enthusiasm for software development with students in the classroom.
Participate
in Professional Development
My commitment to continuous learning, whether through formal training or adapting to new challenges in my roles, aligns with the expectation of participating in professional development.
Compliance
with Policies and Procedures
Following legal and procedural guidelines in my work with individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as adhering to policies as an office manager, ensures I am well-prepared to comply with school and administrative policies and state statutes in a teaching role.