Teaching With Empathy: A Student’s Journey to Becoming a Special Educator

Staley, who is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in special education, believes that every student has unique strengths and abilities, and wants to support them on their path to success; this is what solidified her desire to be a special education teacher.

“I chose to pursue special education because of my past experiences working with children with exceptionalities,” she explained. “I saw it as an opportunity to learn how to support all students I will see in my classroom.”

The ISU Special Education program leads with empathy, understanding, and determination. Students in this program apply evidence-based professional knowledge to support students and gain the skills necessary to help students from a variety of backgrounds succeed within academia.

Since starting at ISU, Staley has become an encouraging educator within her program and has goals to teach first or second-grade students upon graduation. One moment during her education that she noted as standing out to her was when she visited the Dominican Republic and worked at the Carol Morgan International School through the College of Education’s ROARing Internationally in May 2023. The purpose of the practicum is to help future teachers understand the complexities of teaching students from diverse backgrounds and to better understand the differences between international and local Idaho school contexts.

“This experience shaped my perspective on teaching and opened my eyes to issues of diversity and language,” Staley said. “I will never forget the relationships I made there and the knowledge I gained through spending time with knowledgeable teachers and amazing students.”

In addition to the ROARing Internationally experience, Staley’s professors in the program have helped her thrive at ISU by always lending a helping hand when she needed it. As Staley shared, “The professors in the program have supported me in finding field placements, provided other opportunities for growth, and also provided quality instruction and guidance as I have gone through each part of the program.”

Staley specifically mentioned Dr. Jenn Gallup, Associate Professor of Special Education, who taught her design instruction course. Gallup encouraged Staley to do her best within her program and to always approach teaching with an innovative mindset. As a whole, her professors’ support paired with the structure of the special education program has instilled confidence in Staley’s teaching abilities, which she is eager to use to help her future students. 

“The program has helped me build a foundation of teaching that is based on theory, data, and evidence-based practices,” Staley said. “I have learned how to be culturally sensitive and understanding toward each of my students individually. I have also learned how to cultivate many of the tools that will help me be an effective educator.”

Staley is expected to graduate next Spring 2025. She is looking forward to two things after graduation: finding a job at a local elementary school, and visiting Disneyland.

The ISU Special Education program is offered as both an undergraduate or graduate degree and is available 100 percent online or on the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, or Twin Falls campuses. The program prepares candidates for rewarding careers teaching kindergarten through 12th-grade students in private or public schools with special needs. To learn more about the special education program at ISU, please visit isu.edu/tes.