“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” - Charles Kuralt. Lizzie’s students are fortunate to study under the guidance of such a wonderful mentor who not only provides them with an education but also understands their emotional and functional challenges. Since Lizzie faced similar struggles during her school days, she identifies with her students and nurtures a strong and inclusive learning environment in her classroom. Her blog ‘A Teacher with ADD and LD’ is helping teachers, parents, and kids by sharing her insight on teaching special education.

What inspired you to become a special needs teacher? What kind of challenges do you face as a teacher?L: Me! I struggled a significantly when I was in school. As a kid I actually remember thinking about how I would do things differently if I was the teacher. I had a really hard time up until 10th grade. As a teacher, the biggest challenge that I face is the wide variety of needs that I have in my classroom. I love teaching, but as a special education teacher, you encounter students with all kinds of disabilities and challenges. It can be really difficult to meet the wide range of needs that I have in my room.

How do you usually come up with a lesson plan? What is the best way to motivate your students to get involved in day to day school activities?L: It depends! My students need a lot of modeling and guided instruction. There is a lot of time where I am modeling up at the board, and then kids are telling me what to do before they can do anything independently. I use a wide variety of instructional techniques and materials. It all depends on what my students need. My students are all very motivated to participate in school activities. They enjoy being with their peers and they like to participate in many activities.

What is the idea behind your blog ‘A Teacher with ADD and LD ‘?L: I have worked with a lot of general education teachers and I have been surprised by how much general education teachers don't know about their students' disabilities. Teachers focus largely on the academic needs of kids and many teachers don't understand the executive functioning challenges that kids with disabilities face such as staying organized or managing their time. Also, most teachers were really good students themselves. There are a few teachers who struggled as students, but on the whole, many teachers received excellent grades. I have a different perspective in that I failed MANY tests and assignments and I know what it is like to have a hard time in school. I think that a lot of teachers could benefit from understanding what it is like on a day to day basis.

What kind of changes are needed to our current education system for special needs? Do you see any difference in today’s school system compared to when you were a student?L: My situation was different because up until 10th grade I was in catholic schools, so I don't know what it is like to be in a regular public school for the elementary needs. I can tell you that I think that in our current education system there is a huge push for students with special needs to be learning the same curriculum and performing at the same level as students in the general education population. For many students, this isn't realistic. I think that schools are pushing kids to learn at the same rate and pace as everyone else and that isn't good for their self esteem or their learning. There have been a lot of studies that show that when the anxiety level is raised, students can't learn. If students are anxious about having to pass a test or do well on an assignment, they are not going to perform as well as a result. I think that as long as students have made gains throughout the year, then that should be looked at as progress.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What is your advice for special needs children and families to prepare for school?L: Well, I have a Learning Disability in math, so math class was a huge struggle for me. It was like a foreign language. It didn't seem to matter how hard I worked, or how many hours my parents put into helping me, I just didn't get it. I felt stupid for the vast majority of elementary school, and in 4th grade, I completely shut down. I found out that I was quite good at tuning my teacher out and I spent math class daydreaming, which as it turned out was part of my Attention Deficit Disorder. I was very forgetful and disorganized and it would take me forever to complete assignments. I eventually developed a full blown anxiety disorder in elementary school because I was terrified that I was going to forget an assignment or misplace something. Then when I did forget to turn something in the teacher would roll their eyes at me and make another snide comment about what I forget, which would make me feel horrible, and then I would start worrying about what else I would forget. This viscous cycle continued day in and day out for a lot of years. My advice to special needs children and families is to remind yourself that there are a lot of things that you are good at, even though you may not feel others value it.

Who is your inspiration?L: Me! I have worked with enough kids to know that not everyone was as motivated as I was as a child. Looking back, it would have been really easy for me to give up and I really don't know why I didn't. I have run into other situations in my life where I feel like giving up and then I remember my 8 year old self and I know that she wouldn't have given up. That definitely keeps me going!

What are your other hobbies?L: I love being outdoors. I don't live too far from the Adirondack mountain range so I go hiking there when the weather is nice.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?L: My grandparents live on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 islands in Upstate New York. It is breathtaking and gorgeous. I have lived there every summer since I was a kid and I love every minute of being up there.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become a special needs educator?L: It is a lot of work, but it is incredibly rewarding so hang in there! I also think it is important to keep in mind that a lot of times kids are not being lazy. It takes a lot to attempt something knowing that it is going to be difficult for you.

Any special message for our community?L: Every person has strengths in addition to there weaknesses. Do not get so bogged down by your weaknesses that you forget your good qualities.