<p> </p><p>John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” This is more than just a quote to me; it is my mantra. From a very young age I’ve been told that I am a leader. I’ve been recognized for my work ethic and desire to stand out from the crowd with accolades, positive reinforcement and made lifetime relationships along the way. I have a strong desire to not only inspire others, but always strive to improve myself and those around me. </p><p> </p><p>After graduating from college, I decided that I wanted to take a risk of a lifetime and move to the west side of Oahu, Hawaii. Not knowing a soul, I packed up my bags and moved across the country to teach in one of the most challenging elementary schools in the country. There, I spent five years dedicating my life to students that didn't have a roof to sleep under, or shoes to wear on their feet. I taught them language arts, math, and science but the most important lesson was to believe in themselves. While I was there, I was appointed by the principal to be the head of the special education program. It was through this role that I mentored teachers, facilitated department and faculty meetings, and came up with innovative ways that helped students and teachers succeed like never before. </p><p> </p><p>I’m also extremely passionate about helping my students achieve their goals. My principal in Hawaii told me I had the most challenging job in the school. I had a fully self-contained classroom with 7-10 students with severe learning disabilities and behavior challenges such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism, and Emotional Disturbance. I collaborated with psychologists, behavior specialists, and ABA therapists to improve the discipline and structure in my classroom. After months of trial and error with different strategies, my classroom was transformed into a positive and effective learning environment where students were experiencing academic success for the first time. </p><p> </p><p>In addition to being the Team Lead and tutoring at least four days a week, I went through an extensive application process and was chosen as one of thirty teachers from the state to participate in the Northrop Grumman Weightless Flight Experience in Hawaii. This once in a lifetime experience helped turn my students onto the fields of science and math and realize that dreams come true with hard work. The news reporter during the experience was inspired by my passion for teaching and televised two of my science lessons of KITV, Channel Four News. </p><p> </p><p>After five incredible years of teaching in Hawaii, I brought my passion of teaching to Texas. I accepted the challenging role of Team Lead of Charlotte Cox Elementary. When I came to school, it was evident through observations and data that the special needs students were making very little gains. After collaborating daily with my Assistant Principal, Christine Hoffman, we transformed our special education program through scheduling, teaching techniques, and interventions. The data clearly stated that the innovative changes dramatically increased student achievement. I was then asked by Leander School District to present our co-teaching and inclusion model throughout the district which gave me the honor to share our success story. </p><p> </p><p>The next chapter of my teaching career led me to Florence Stiles Middle School, or a place I like to call home. My students needed an advocate, a coach, and someone that could help them survive some of the most challenging years of their life. Looking back, I can honestly say I gave my students everything I had. I fought for their needs in IEP meetings and made decisions on what I truly thought was best for them. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I also took on the role of the Student Council sponsor. Through this I inspired my special education students to join a club that gives back to their community. I facilitated opportunities such as the Thanksgiving food drive that collected items for the Leander Backpack Program, the Angel Tree that provided gifts for the less fortunate, a field trip where students were partnered with students with severe developmental delays and a field day where student council representatives designed activities and a day of fun for the students with physical challenges. </p><p> </p><p>During my time at Stiles, it was evident that my students struggled with reading across the board. Even though I went back to school to get my Master’s in literacy, I knew they needed more than just research based strategies, I needed to think outside the box. I realized as their coach and cheerleader that I needed to motivate them and get them to see the value of reading. I reflected and thought about my favorite time to read-it’s always in a comfortable chair or cozy environment. That’s when it hit me, I needed to transform my classroom. I applied for the LEEF grant and it was a great honor to accept it months later. I listened intently to the needs of my students and together we picked out furniture and decorations to turn my classroom into a reading paradise with a hammock, tent, lights and all types of comfortable chairs. With great pride, I can say that it changed my students’ perspective and attitude towards not only reading, but learning in general. </p><p> </p><p>I’ve dedicated 12 years of my life to special education and have taught grades first through eighth. I have experienced the peaks and valleys and believe that it truly takes a village to help special needs students be successful. </p><p><br></p>