My Journey in Teaching: From Special Education to Math and Science

My Journey in Teaching: From Special Education to Math and Science

Hello! I’m not quite sure why I’m even attempting to start a blog. It’s not like I have so much spare time in my life. However, I feel that sharing my journey might resonate with some of you and maybe even provide a bit of inspiration. Let me introduce myself and tell you about my career in education.

Early Beginnings: A Shift in Focus

I started teaching during the 2001-2002 school year, but my path to becoming an educator wasn’t straightforward. Initially, I aimed to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP). My collegiate journey began with a focus on speech-language pathology, but after taking a few educational courses, I became interested in doing a double major—one in speech-language pathology and the other in special education.

Embracing Special Education

During my studies, the licensing law for teachers was changing in my home state, prompting me to switch majors to Special Education. I spent seven years as a special education teacher, working with students from grades 7-12 for six years and with younger students in Pre-K to second grade for one year. Special education brought its unique challenges and rewards, but the paperwork began to wear on me.

I remembered one of my professors stating, "The burnout rate for a special education teacher is a minimum of five years." I made it to seven! Despite the challenges, I was dedicated to my students and kept praying for a change that would reignite my passion for teaching.

A New Chapter: Becoming a Math Teacher

In 2008, a math teacher’s position became available. My principal, who knew me from my time as a special education teacher, gave me a chance to transition to a regular education math teacher role. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter in my teaching career.

Teaching Math: A New Adventure

Since 2008, I have been teaching math and loving every minute of it. I’ve had the privilege of teaching 7th and 8th grade math at the middle school level and Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra 1 at the high school level. This shift allowed me to reconnect with my passion for education in a new and exciting way.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, my journey in education has been full of twists and turns, but each step has shaped me into the teacher I am today. Whether it was the detailed, individualized attention required in special education or the structured, logical world of mathematics, every experience has contributed to my growth and understanding as an educator.

A Turning Point in My Career

By the end of the 2018-2019 school year, I found myself at a crossroads. I had just completed the most challenging teaching job of my career, and my passion for education had waned. Seeking a significant change, I enrolled in Western Kentucky University’s online Speech Pathology program. With some courses already completed during my undergraduate studies, I planned to finish both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Speech Pathology. After earning my doctorate in Education from Union University in 2013, I had never imagined returning to college. But here I was, ready to embark on a new path.

The Search for a New Teaching Position

Despite my plans, I couldn’t afford to focus solely on my coursework. I needed a job. I applied to numerous districts and participated in several interviews, but job offers were elusive. It wasn’t until the very last day of the school year in May 2019 that I received an offer. I accepted a middle school teaching position that required me to teach both 7th grade math and 7th grade science.

Falling in Love with 7th Grade Science

To my surprise, I quickly fell in love with teaching 7th grade science. The curriculum’s focus on life science and physical science captivated me. I discovered that science standards were structured quite differently from math standards, with 7th grade science not necessarily building on 6th grade content. This fresh perspective was invigorating, and I embraced the opportunity to teach these subjects with enthusiasm.

Integrating My Passions

One of the joys of teaching science has been the ability to integrate my personal interests into the curriculum. I have a deep love for gardening, and I incorporate this passion into many of our life science units. Whether we’re exploring plant biology or discussing ecosystems, I bring my gardening experiences into the classroom to make the lessons more engaging and relatable for my students.

A New Chapter

Teaching 7th grade science has reignited my zeal for education. It’s been a journey of rediscovery and growth, reminding me why I chose to become a teacher in the first place. As I continue to teach, I look forward to nurturing my students’ curiosity and helping them explore the wonders of science.

Moving Forward

As I continue my teaching journey, I hope to inspire my students and help them see the beauty and logic in math. Starting this blog in 2013 is another step in that journey—one that I hope will allow me to connect with other educators, share insights, and perhaps even help others who are navigating their own paths in teaching.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here’s to many more years of learning and growing together!

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