The Journey
Megan McVannel
My career as a teacher has been an indescribable journey. I have been amazed, mind-blown, inspired, and humbled by the experiences in the classroom. Each day I learn the best lessons about life from my students and I cannot imagine a life with the absence of teaching students in some capacity.
When I started my journey toward my Master’s Degree at Michigan State University, I wrote an essay very similar to this due to the fact that I was deeply inspired by my students. Today, I sit here at the end of my journey of pursuing my Master’s Degree still inspired by them. In some ways, I feel that the Master’s Degree I have worked toward picked me. I am finishing the Master of Arts in Education program with a concentration area of Special Education. My passion prior to teaching was working with the students who struggle the most. I find myself today with this same passion.
My journey into studying the Special Education concentration came about as I realized that many of the students I teach come to school with a low toolbox, meaning they do not bring the tools with them to school that are necessary to be as successful as they can be in the general education classroom. I saw a great need and longing for me to provide these tools to my students and to show how students can use them for success.
Over the course of the MAED program, I learned many ideas that I can present to my students with special needs in order to be successful in the general education classroom. I have become even more passionate and driven to provide students with the tools they need and proper instruction to go with them because not only have I seen them benefit my students with special needs, but I have seen them benefit all of my students and give me a better understanding of my students. This can be something as simple as providing Assistive Technology, a visual schedule or a social story.
I am even more driven now than I was when I applied to this program because I have seen my students benefit from my education time and time again. I have also been able to share my learning with other teachers and staff. In the future, I want to keep helping students gain the tools they need, put them together in their toolboxes and apply them correctly while also helping other teachers who are searching to reach students with special needs. I will keep striving and learning to provide my students with the best tools to push them to reach their greatest potentials!