Jasmine Johnson - Special Education Teacher, Wallace Elementary School
Witnessing a student make progress, whether the steps are big or small, brings a profound sense of accomplishment and joy. There truly is no better feeling than observing a student's "aha" moment, that spark of understanding when something just clicks. For me, this passion for teaching began all the way back in 7th grade with my teacher, Gabriela Tagerli. Her classes were engaging, and she made school an enjoyable experience. Mrs. Tagerli, or Mrs. Tag as we affectionately called her, made teaching look effortless and inspiring. It was in her classroom that I realized my own path—I knew without a doubt that I wanted to pursue a career in education.
It wasn't until my senior year at Hoboken High School, however, that I decided to specialize in special education. During my last two months of high school, I had the chance to volunteer in Amanda ProSisto’s self-contained classroom. That experience changed everything. I fell in love with the students and became fascinated by the individualized learning processes that each student underwent. It was then that I felt a strong calling to work with students who need extra support, helping them unlock their potential.
The training I received through the district in the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) has had the greatest impact on my students. The skills I gained from IMSE have been transformative in helping my students improve their reading levels. Concepts that once seemed so complex, like the intricate reading and spelling rules of the English language, have started to make sense for my students. Seeing this progress firsthand has reaffirmed my passion for teaching and my commitment to special education.