Special Education Personal Statement

During my time as an undergraduate student, I was originally planning on becoming a general education teacher. However, one of the required courses I had to take at the University of Virginia's College at Wise is the Inclusion of the Exceptional Student. While observing students, interacting with students, and completing my course work, I realized my passion for teaching special education. For the past three years, I have been a special education teacher at Wise County Schools in St. Paul Virginia. I have worked collaboratively with students and teachers in grades three through five. Working in multiple grade levels has taught me how to juggle multiple students with diverse needs, varying schedules, and an assortment of personalities with

Since I originally chose to become a general education teacher, I chose science as my area of concentration, so I would have a better prospect of being hired after completing my degree. Chemistry and Physics were the hardest subjects for me. I would spend countless hours studying, doing homework, and receiving tutoring. Struggling with coursework was not something I was accustomed to because academics always came easy to me. Struggling taught me how to overcome the conception that I need to be perfect at everything I do. I realize now that it is okay to make mistakes. Undergraduate taught me how to accept myself, my failures, and my accomplishments. Another important lesson I learned while receiving my undergraduate degree is time management. During undergraduate, I worked two jobs and was a full time student. Initially, I struggled to maintain my grades and work schedule. I often felt overwhelmed. I quickly learned the best way to prioritize my time. I am now excellent at deciding which tasks need to be completed first, how to make schedules work for any amount of allotted time, and how to break down assignments or tasks, so they do not seem so