I Am Finally Becoming A Exceptional Needs Specialist!
I need to complete my FINAL component with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in order to become an Exceptional Needs Specialist!
FULLY FUNDED! Dr. Woods's classroom raised $603
This project is fully funded
My Students
My students come to school every day filled with excitement and an eagerness to learn. No matter the subject, they put forth an effort with getting the job done. I am currently involved in the same process outside of school. Much like my students, I want to be able to produce the same resilience with learning new material. Especially if this learning will equip me with the strategies needed to enhance learning for students with disabilities in the classroom.
I teach students with disabilities who do not let their disabilities deter them from learning in any way!
Part of me bringing quality instruction to my students stems from a knowledge of special education and advocacy. I am in awe at how my students attack rigorous instruction and put forth great effort in all that they do. I desire the same thing within myself. I want to be able to continue learning to further suit their needs in education and educational advocacy. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards has allowed me this platform. By demonstrating years of training as well as the skills I possess in the classroom, I have reached the finish line in becoming an Exceptional Needs Specialist!
My Project
For the past three years, I have been on a journey to become an Exceptional Needs Specialist with the assistance of DonorsChoose.org. Although the journey wasn't easy, it has all paid off in the end! Through this process, along with the help of my students, I was able to delve deeper into the Special Education process and demonstrate how my work can be effective for students with disabilities. What typically takes 2 years to complete has taken me a little over three years. The primary reason is due to the cost per component, and having to complete 4 components altogether. I am on my very last component with the National Board and hopefully, I will be as successful as when I started this journey.
In addition to their parents, I am the biggest advocate to my students with disabilities.
While they may not be able to cognitively process material like their same-aged peers, they ARE able to learn the same material. All that's required is the help of additional resources and a teacher who believes in their achievement. Funding this project will allow me to complete my last component and reach the finish line, proving that my work has paid off. From my end, I am required to reflect on the previous components and measure how the information provided has resulted in student achievement. Additionally, I will have to submit teacher/student interviews to witness the effects of learning new concepts.
I'm almost at the end of the race and can see the finish line! I'm hoping that you will be able to assist me in completing the final step in becoming an Exceptional Needs Specialist.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Woods and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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