"I am committed to meet each child's individual needs and ensure that they are successful. My journey to become a special education teacher has been challenging as well as very rewarding. I received my degree in Early Childhood Education from Hood College. Upon graduation teaching positions were very difficult to secure so I pursued opportunities in the financial field. I was fortunate to become the Assistant Controller at a not-for-profit education foundation. After relocating to Connecticut, I chose to stay home for a few years with my young children. As the parent of a child with intellectual disabilities, my husband and I became very involved in navigating the challenges to support and advocate for our daughter. At the age of 32 our daughter lives independently, has a part-time job and a small social support system. We are very proud of her accomplishments and thankful for our school system that was responsive to our concerns and supported her throughout her public education.

My experiences with my daughter encouraged me to pursue a career in special education. I knew that I could make a difference in a child's life. I graduated from Southern Connecticut University with a Cross Endorsement/Master of Science and Certification in Special Education and Re-Certification in Early Childhood Education. While attending school and raising my family, I worked as a Title 1 Tutor in a Remedial Reading Program at the Goodwin School followed by a Special Education Tutor in the Groton, CT school system. In August 2008, I was fortunate to secure a position as a full-time special education teacher at the Pierson School in Clinton, CT. I used my background in general and special education and a variety of multi-sensory strategies to deliver instruction. Instruction was delivered in an inclusive or small group setting to students with varying abilities and ages. I consider myself well versed in reading, phonics and spelling instruction using the Wilson Reading Program, Words Their Way and other programs. I cur" less...