Reflective Essay: The Special Education Field

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The Special Education field is a brand-new field to me. I am currently subbing at Special Ed (SpEd) class in San Bernardino School District. This is my first time subbing for a SpEd class. I am also new to the SpEd credential program. I first started school in the Multiple subject credential program hoping to be a Kindergarten teacher. In 2014, I got hired as an instructional assistant for an RSP teacher. I had been an instructional assistant for general education class, but working with the RSP teacher, I learned that this is where my heart was. I realized that I had a heart for those who needed extra support or learn things differently from others students. My biggest success is following my heart and my heart is for those who need someone …show more content…
I have encountered students that have emotional meltdowns, highly defiant, short attention spans, articulation problems. I have been challenged in multiple ways. I have gone home crying, feeling like I did not do my very best, but as days went on, I gained student rapport and now I can see I am breaking through to them. The staff has noticed that I have had a positive impact in my students, they are hardly in the office now. It has been difficult for this class since the main teacher has been out most of the school year, plus having multiple subs coming into their class. These students where in need of stability and consistency. I have been the only sub that has been consistent in that class, I was offered to stay until the lead teacher comes back from medical leave. I was in class teaching when I received the call, I let the students know I was going to stay till their teacher returned and they all cheered with glee. I love walking into school, greeting the office staff, walking into my classroom to I prepare for the day. What I most enjoy is being greeted with many hugs from my students as they all call out, “Mrs. G, Mrs. G!” I strongly believe that being a Special Education teacher is a calling from God. A person truly needs to have a heart for their students. These students are in need of good role models and positivity. I am eager to finish my credential program so that I can have my own classroom. I want to continue living this amazing experiences and helping my students

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