Which classes do you teach online?
EDS 572: Secondary Special Education Programs and EDG 660: Learning and Behavior Disorders
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
As a professor of special education, it is my responsibility to make sure that all my students understand the laws and research-based practices that govern and influence our work with children who have disabilities. However, I also am a scholar of disability studies, which focuses on understanding the perspective of those who live with a disability. In my courses, I try to marry the two perspectives, creating opportunities for teacher candidates to gain compassion and a deep level of understanding about the disability experience in order to better reach and support their students with disabilities, as well as the students' families.
What advice would you give to those considering an online education programs?
Schedule time throughout each week to complete readings and assignments. Avoid trying to complete them all in one day. The assignments are designed to be doable within the fast-paced time frame, but you have to remain diligent and committed to the course. You will learn a lot, but you have to be prepared to think critically and actively apply what you are learning to your personal and professional teaching and learning experiences. Be open to learning new things and find joy in your learning. Each completed assignment is a celebration of new knowledge!
What qualities make someone particularly successful in education?
In education, particularly special education, having the dispositions for teaching are critical. These include being open-minded, flexible, collaborative, persistent, curious, kind, and compassionate. Knowledge within the field is important, but being able to generalize and apply that knowledge is a must.
I believe that great teachers have to actually like the folks they are teaching. It is less about the content, and more about relationships that contribute to the success of professional educators.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in education face today?
Not having enough time has consistently been a complaint of special education teachers over the years. Time to collaborate with general education teachers, families, and other professionals, as well as time to plan effective instruction.
Why did you start teaching?
I was born in to the world of disability as the younger sister of someone with a disability. My brother, who is now deceased, had an intellectual disability due to an accident at birth. My family taught me about inclusion, but I learned through my parents' experiences with schools about exclusion, and I learned from society about the stigma attached to disability. I never wanted anyone to feel isolated or less-than, so I became a special education teacher with the goal of creating inclusive communities in and out of school.
