REALTOR® @ Berkshire Hathaway Home Services| Special Education Teacher @ Kern High School District | MEd, MS, BA
The Heart of Teaching: Beyond Education to Deep Human Connections In the realm of education, my greatest passion isn’t rooted in the curriculum or methodologies—it’s grounded in the profound relationships we forge with our students. Why? Because before they are students, they are human beings—yearning for connection, needing to feel loved and safe. I’ve observed too often the battlegrounds classrooms can become, where power struggles preempt the joy of learning. The moment a child steps through the door, they should be met with warmth—a simple “hi, welcome” or “how are you?”—not a battleground readied for confrontation. How can a child be expected to embrace learning when their arrival doesn’t even spark a smile or a word of encouragement? This isn’t just about classroom management or educational outcomes. It’s about recognizing that many of our students come from challenging backgrounds, carrying burdens we can barely comprehend. If as teachers, we find the concept of nurturing these young souls a nuisance, then we must question our role and purpose in education. Being an educator offers us an unparalleled opportunity: to be a beacon of hope and positivity in our students’ lives, especially in special education where the need for individualized attention and understanding is even greater. Building relationships, showing empathy, and creating an environment where every child feels valued and understood should be our priority. Why special education? Because it’s where the power of relationships can truly transform lives. It’s where we can make a significant impact not just academically, but emotionally and socially, supporting our students to feel secure, valued, and understood. To my fellow educators, let’s commit to being more than just teachers. Let’s be mentors, advocates, and champions for our students. Let’s embrace our role as a positive, instrumental force in their lives. The path isn’t always easy, but it’s within these challenges that we find our greatest rewards. Together, we can make a difference—one student, one relationship at a time. I carry this mentality with me everywhere I go. I value the good in people and I truly care for humanity. #Education #SpecialEducation #TeachingWithHeart #RelationshipsMatter #kidsfirst
