“Being a new special education teacher is a challenging experience. There are many procedures to learn and follow as soon as you become part of the special education program. Although an endless list of requirements seems to overwhelm us, working with our students is the most important part of being an ESE teacher. I aim to teach my students not only the skills necessary to be better readers, but also the skills needed to be successful outside the classroom. I insist that they believe in their own abilities even when others tell them they cannot do something because of their disabilities. I point out their strengths and encourage them to feel proud of themselves. I try to show my students that I genuinely care about their progress and achievement, not only in the classroom, but in life as well. Being a special education teacher is no easy task, but I try to always keep in mind that I am in my classroom to help my students become better prepared for the world around them so that one day they too can become successful members of our society.”
-Ms. Magaly Gonzalez, Special Education Reading Teacher at Ponce de Leon Middle Community School (Ponce de Leon's Rookie Teacher of the Year, '07-'08)
