My Journey as a Special Educator
Teaching has always been a part of my life. My grandparents were teachers, my mom was a teacher, and my aunt was a teacher, so it felt natural that I would follow in their footsteps. In high school, I enrolled in a peer coaching and peer intern class where I worked as a teacher’s aide in a math class in the special education department and an adaptive PE class. That experience changed everything—I fell in love with supporting students with diverse needs. From that moment on, I knew my path was in special education. I attended the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley and earned my K–12 Special Education Generalist degree, ready to make a difference.
After graduation, I began my career as a Severe Support Needs teacher at a mainstream public school. It was tough. I didn’t feel supported, and honestly, I wanted to quit. But instead of giving up, I found my calling at a school for the Deaf, where I now work as a Deaf Plus teacher. I started in the 18–21 transition program at the school and worked there for five and a half years. Then I moved to the K–12 Deaf program as the Deaf Plus teacher two and a half years ago. Today, I’m working on expanding the Deaf Plus program and writing specialized curriculums to meet the needs of these incredible students.
Through these experiences, I realized something important: very few educators are knowledgeable or prepared to teach Deaf Plus students—students who are Deaf and have additional disabilities. There are limited studies about Deaf Plus learners, and there are no formal training programs for teachers in this area. This gap inspired me to create Inclusive Learning Hub—a space where families and students can access personalized support that truly meets their needs.
I believe that people with disabilities deserve a happy, fulfilling life. Accommodation and access are not optional steps—they are essential. Inclusion means creating environments where students feel like they belong, where they feel “the same” as their peers. When students feel included, they experience greater success and happiness—and that’s what every child deserves.
If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate who believes in inclusion and wants to learn more, subscribe to the Inclusive Learning Hub blog for tips, resources, and stories that empower every learner. Together, we can create a world where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
