Name: Mary Lee
Grade/Subject at what school: Special education teacher, Washington Woods Elementary
Number of years teaching: 29
Background/Schooling (college & high school): Cardinal Ritter High School, Indianapolis; B.S. Special Education, Indiana University, Bloomington; M.A. Special Education, Butler University, Indianapolis.
Why did you become a teacher? As a young girl, I babysat children. I often took care of a young boy who was handicapped. He was always so excited when we would play or read together. I loved watching him learn and grasp onto new things. I knew very early that I wanted to teach children with special needs. It was a child that inspired me.
What goals do you have for your students? I would like every student to feel important. I want their struggles to be addressed and their gifts to be acknowledged and recognized. I believe every student can learn, but not always in the same way as others. Few things are more rewarding than achieving success with my students. The satisfaction of knowing that I made a difference in their life is incomparable. I hope to inspire.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? I encourage my parents to read to and with their child daily. Literature is a powerful vehicle for helping children learn. Books can allow children to use their imagination, expand their vocabulary, and help them learn about the world around them.
What is your favorite movie? The Notebook.
Who is your favorite musician? Chris Botti
What’s something your students might not know about you? I am from a very large family. I am the 12th child of 13 in my family. I enjoy gardening, reading, and walking.
