Table of contents
Finding My Purpose in Education
Helping people has always been my passion, but I never knew exactly how to do it. Unlike many educators who dream of becoming teachers from a young age, I never saw myself in the profession. The idea of being a teacher felt too conventional, too expected—something that didn’t align with my outside-the-box mindset.
During high school, I found solace in the arts—drawing, painting, and working behind the scenes in theater. My plan was to make a difference in the world, one child at a time. But reality hit hard after graduation. Changing the world didn’t come with a paycheck that could cover student loans, rent, and daily expenses.
To make ends meet, I took a demanding job at a live-in facility for children with severe behavioral needs. Here, I witnessed firsthand the lack of quality education these children received. It was heartbreaking. Their education was an afterthought, and any attempt to advocate for better support was met with indifference. That frustration sparked a realization: education was where I could make a real impact.
The Decision to Become a Teacher
Determined to bridge the educational gaps I had seen, I pursued a Master’s in Education with certifications in Elementary and Special Education. After years of rigorous coursework, long nights, and plenty of challenges, I finally graduated.
My first teaching job was at a private school for students with cerebral palsy. I was eager to help students labeled as “unteachable,” but I quickly discovered the institution had ethical and operational issues I couldn’t overlook. I left after a year, but the experience gave me invaluable insight into occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology—knowledge I still use today.
I moved on to a public school district where funding was tight and special education wasn’t a priority. The workload was overwhelming, and stress levels were high, but the victories were worth it.
- A non-verbal student started talking.
- A student who had daily tantrums learned to manage emotions and ask for help.
- A child in a self-contained class successfully transitioned to general education.
These moments weren’t just professional achievements—they were life-changing experiences that reinforced my purpose.
The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Teaching
In 2015, I became pregnant with my son, Jack. The stress of my job, combined with pregnancy-related anxiety, led to frequent panic attacks. By Thanksgiving, health complications forced me to take leave. After my son was born, I cherished my time at home, but returning to work in May 2016 was a harsh reality check.
The classroom was chaotic—resources were missing, Velcro and lamination supplies were dwindling, and parents were frustrated. Special education teachers know that classrooms run on organization, and mine was unraveling. It was clear I needed a change.
I spent the summer job hunting, attending interviews, and hoping for an opportunity to balance my career and family life. I thought I had found the perfect role—until the offer was unexpectedly rescinded. The disappointment was crushing. I questioned everything.
A New Path: From Teaching to Consulting
Just as I started accepting my current situation, an unexpected LinkedIn message changed my trajectory. A non-profit organization, responsible for early intervention services, invited me for an interview. They saw potential in me, even offering a higher salary than usual. Though flattered, I declined, unsure if it was the right move.
Months later, the same organization reached out again—this time for a Behavior Support position. They had been so impressed with my first interview that they wanted me in a different role. Flattered and excited, I accepted.
For the first time in my career, I felt valued, included, and essential. Consulting allowed me to focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), collaborate with dedicated professionals, and grow beyond the classroom. I was happy—happier than I had ever been at a job. But something was missing.
The Call Back to Teaching
Despite loving my work, I found myself constantly browsing teacher job openings. I ignored the urge, telling myself I was content. But deep down, I knew the truth: I missed the kids.
In May 2018, I stopped searching for teaching jobs—until I stumbled upon an opening for a Preschool Special Education Teacher. It was close to home, but I assumed I had no chance against the hundreds of applicants. To my surprise, I was called in for an interview just four days after applying.
The process moved quickly—a first interview, a demo lesson, and then an offer. I later learned that the Director of Special Education had a list of requirements she believed no candidate could meet, yet somehow, I had checked every box.
Returning to My Passion
Some days are tough. Some days, I question why I returned. But then:
- A parent hugs me at Back-to-School Night because their child used words to make a request for the first time.
- A mother emails me saying, “We never thought she’d make progress until you.”
- A student points to an apple and confidently says the word for the first time.
These are the moments that remind me why I teach.
I always wanted to help people. Now, I know exactly how to do it.
