Q: What is the best part of being a teacher?

A: The teaching part itself and when the kids progress.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your day?

A: Coming here, and I like when the lessons go well.

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: I have been a teacher for seven years.

Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?

A: Since first grade. I wanted to do something that helped kids. I wanted to be a lawyer to help kids, but then realized that’s not what [lawyers] did. Someone told me I should be a teacher, and that’s what I dictated to do.

Q: How do your students impact your life?

A: That’s all I think about. I wanted kids, but after becoming a teacher I didn’t. All my time and money is spent on them. They also get the best of me.

Q: What is the most challenging part of being a special education teacher?

A: All the paperwork because you think they know what they need, but the people don’t know them, I do.  

Q: Did you have to go to more school to become a special education teacher? What college did you go to?

A: Not really. I had a career change. I got my undergraduate at University of Minneapolis and my bachelor at [Indiana University Northwest].

Q: Why did you choose to major in special education?

A: Both of my parents have a disability.

Q: Do you have to make sacrifices to be a teacher?

A: Yes. When I get home, I’m tired and all the kids always gets the best of me, but it is rewarding.