Passion Discovered:
My journey to becoming a teacher truly started when I was in high school and was struggling in math class. I remember sitting at my desk at home crying because I could not understand anything on my homework. However, I was determined to succeed in the class and would spend two hours a night reading through my math textbook and reteaching myself the concepts. The next day in class I quickly realized I was not the only student having difficulties, but after studying independently I was able to help my classmates understand. Being able to help my peers comprehend the materials and not have to go through the same struggle I did the previous night was the most rewarding experience. Although at the time I hated that math class and was angry at my teacher for not explaining the concepts fully, I'm so grateful for that experience because I not only grew as a learner, but discovered my passion for teaching.
Credentials:
In 2011 I enrolled in Monmouth College, which is a small liberal arts school in Monmouth Illinois. I majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education. I gained a variety of teaching experiences through tutoring, becoming a teacher's assistant, and observing at a variety of high schools in the area. I gradated in 2015 and was excited to enter the next stage of my life.
My Journey to Special Education:
I obtained my first teaching job in 2015 at Plainfield South High School as a mathematics teacher in the areas of pre-calculus and algebra II. It was a significant change going from student teaching at a small rural high school with an enrollment of 300 to a suburban school with over 2,000 students. Although I spent most nights preparing lessons for the next day and grading the never-ending stack of papers, I truly enjoyed teaching and working with my students. While teaching at Plainfield South I discovered another passion that I believe I always had, but it came to light while working with students at this high school. Every day during my study hall, I specifically worked with students that were failing any math class. While working with these students, I realized that they were struggling not because they were not trying hard enough, but because they were not being taught in a manner that met their learning style. It was the highlight of my day working with these students and discovering how to teach them the concepts in a way that made sense to them. I realized that I wanted to go back to school to obtain my special education degree in order to better serve students that need additional supports. I acquired my Learning Behavior Specialist I degree at Dominican University in the 2016-2017 school year and then began applying for special education jobs.
What I'm Doing Now:
In the fall of 2017 I began working at The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), which is a contract school in Humboldt Park. I have 15 sophomore students on my case load and in my resource classroom. In addition, I co-teach in 4 different mathematics classrooms throughout the day. I now have realized that becoming a special education teacher was my calling from the beginning, but I'm so thankful for the journey that has brought me to this realization. I learn something new from my students each day and continue to grow and develop as an educator.
Life Outside the Classroom:
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| My nephew and I |
When I'm not grading or searching Pinterest for new teaching ideas, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two sisters, one brother, and an 11 month year old nephew. I'm very close with my family and have been baby-sitting my nephew Elliott as much as possible. In addition, I tutor four students outside of my school that are learning a variety of concepts. Two students are in fifth grade, one student is in seventh grade, and the last student is learning geometry at the tenth grade level. I enjoy working with each of these students individually and helping them feel successful. Lastly, I like to remain active through running, swimming, and biking. I'm especially enjoying the beautiful weather and try to spend my free time outdoors.
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| My sibling and I |
Hi Katie, I enjoyed reading you post!
ReplyDeleteI can especially relate to your your path of discovering your passion. I felt like I went through the same situation you did in your high school math class, but mine was in college when I took cellular and molecular biology. The content was of course challenging and the class was struggling. I had to put in extra time and effort in order to understand the concepts, and by doing so I was able to help explain to my friends the material in a way that made sense to them. I was helping them and at the same time realized that I truly enjoyed being able to help them make sense of the material. It definitely felt rewarding to me too! Through this experience, I also learned that everyone really does learn differently and that instruction needs to be individualized to some degree in order for students to reach their full learning potential.
I think it is amazing how your found your path to special education. It seems like it is just the beginning of your journey so I wish you well and I'm excited to hear what's to come!
-Michelle
Hello Katie,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post and the picture of you and your nephew is so cute! I also babysit, was doing it full-time when I was getting my Bachelors and doing my dietetic internship now I just do it on the weekends for some families. I can connect with you that I love that my family is expanding and I get to see all the little ones.
This is awesome story, that earlier in life you knew you wanted to be a teacher and even crazier that it would be in Math. I am happy you were able to tackle that part of your life and come out doing something that you love. I feel like when I was younger I loved Math and when I went to college I didn't use it much besides the basic BMI and calculating tube feeding. Its crazy how advance technology is now that a lot of people use calculation online for this.
I was very happy that one of my older cousin was a math major and teaches college Math, she was definitely a big help and guidance throughout college for me.
I look forward to learning more about you and getting to know you throughout the semester. Have a good day and enjoy the weather!
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and learning about all the things we have in common! I live in Minooka, which is not far at all from Plainfield, I actually student taught at their middle and elementary schools. I loved reading that you enjoy swimming. I was a swimmer for about 10 years, it is a great way to stay in shape! I have to give you some credit though, I could never teach high school! I love teaching the younger kids! I can't wait to read your posts in the future.
Amanda
It's amazing how an experience in our life can shape our course. I am happy to hear you found your path! Doing something you love is crucial in education- the job itself is a challenge so it's important that we are passionate about our careers. Looking forward to learning with you this semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie! I loved reading your post and learning about how you discovered your passion for teaching and for mathematics at a young age. I remember a similar situation with myself and my science courses. I had always struggled in my science classes (chemistry in particular), and would spend countless evenings rereading the information discussed in class to attempt to better understand it all. While I did not go on to find a passion in teaching in the classroom, I did go on to study nutrition and dietetics - a very science-heavy subject - in college and currently work as a dietitian, loving all the different science aspects of it. I think it's amazing that those experiences we have at a younger age that seem negative and not so fun at the time, can fuel our passions and interests in the future. It is clear that you have not only immersed yourself in the world of teaching and mathematics, but sounds like you love it as well! I look forward to reading more of your work over the course of the semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your intro blog, and love how you had started in Mathematics and evolved in the direction of special needs. It is always inspiring to see how one interest can manifest into another out of our own experiences and interests. Regarding you blog style I really enjoyed it, and loved the layout. One tip I personally like is large photos centered to give a focus for your readers. Your photos work as well as your blog flows very well. Maybe something to try in the future and see how you like it compared to this week's assignment.
I look forward to seeing your next posts,
Chris Cicinelli