Today is National Special Education Day, a day that marks the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law signed into doctrine by President Gerald Ford.
Today we would like to recognize and celebrate our amazing administrators, teachers, students and parents who work to provide the best education for all students in Flossmoor School District 161. We also spoke to two of our special education educators to see why they pursued a career in special education and what it means to them to be part of a spectacular department in 161.
Amber Gumm, Lead Psychologist, District 161:
I pursued a career in special education because my mother was an elementary school teacher, so she exposed me to the many benefits of working with children. Even though I knew I didn't want to be a teacher, I knew that I wanted to work with children in education. My mother introduced me to the school psychologist who worked in her building. I shadowed her for a day and instantly fell in love with the profession.
I enjoy working with children and staff, and I especially enjoy meeting parents and explaining the special education process to them. I like helping them understand the many ways they can work with their child at home and how impactful early intervention and proper education can be for a student with a disability. I do believe that this is my calling.
Amy Sizemore-Green, Special Education Teacher, Serena Hills:
I chose to go into special education after working with kids with disabilities while I was in high school. I worked at Sertoma Centre working with adults with disabilities and then Elim Christian School for kids with disabilities and decided it was just my thing! I never felt as completely comfortable and right doing anything else! Sounds kind of corny, but really true. And to this day, I feel exactly the same way I did then!
I love what I do because it allows me to focus on specific individual needs (both educational and social/emotional) and see growth in kids who wouldn't see themselves in that way, anywhere else. They always leave me feeling smarter and more capable! I also love that I have so many opportunities to develop strong, authentic, special relationships with kids and their families. I take my role as an advocate for kids very seriously and I love that I am in a position to be that person for kids and families.
Jackie Janicke, Director of Special Education, District 161
Providing quality education to all students has always been my passion in life. I believe that any child can learn and succeed if they are taught in a way that inspires them and addresses their needs. Throughout my career as a teacher, principal and special education director, I have always put students and their individual needs first. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students succeed, no matter what their disabilities are. I am so proud of how our teachers, paraprofessionals, and related services providers meet the needs of our students every day.
Teresa Piattoni, Special Education Teacher, Flossmoor Hills:
I chose the area of special education to help students with disabilities develop and find their strengths that would help them overcome their disabilities. I also have a child with a disability and working with him helped me to realize that all students (children with disabilities) have a lot to offer to others, their communities and the world. I love to see my students begin to understand concepts that were difficult before. I love to see the light bulb go off in a child and see the joy and happiness that comes with it. I have learned a lot working with special education students and have grown from this experience. I also believe that all children can learn, if you have patience, understanding and creativity in order to help them reach their goals.