I had a fantastic conversation with Kaylene Durbin, a college student who is just starting her credential program. Today we talk about her inspirational story (which credits family and a professor) and how you can get some real classroom experience before student teaching. We begin to answer questions that aspiring or new teachers might have (there will be a part 2 of this episode, so stay tuned for the episode called, “New Special Ed Teacher Answers“).
Don’t be tempted to skip this if you are a seasoned teacher because it is very inspirational! It also reminded me why I went into teaching in the first place (which is a great thing to remember as we near the beginning of a new school year)!!
Fall 2021 Update: Kaylene is starting her first year of teaching… She ended up getting a job in a special ed self-contained classroom. Congrats, Kaylene!!
Episode Show Notes
Guest: Kaylene Durbin
Hi there! I’m Kaylene Durbin and I’m almost a teacher! I am finishing my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at Fresno State and will then begin the DUAL credential program (which included both Multiple Subjects and Special Education credentials). I currently work for California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF) which gives me the opportunity to work inside a general education classroom.
I’ve had a passion for working with children since I was 12 years old. In my undergraduate program, I was required to observe in a special ed classroom and it was there that I fell in love with the environment and the students. I want to become a special educator so I can help students find success both academically and socially.
Questions Asked
- What is your favorite thing about teaching sped?
- What accommodations are the hardest to implement?
- Why do sped teachers say that paperwork the hardest?
- What is some general advice for new teachers?
Links and Resources
- California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF)
- Rime Magic
- Video of Luke breaking ten bricks
- Kaylene on Instagram: @kakes00
- Lisa’s blog post for new special ed teachers
- Go to Part 2 of this conversation
- Lisa’s Back to School Resources that new teachers will like (includes freebies)
- To sign up for Lisa’s Email List to get free ideas and strategies, use the “Subscribe” sign-up on the right sidebar of the page (or scroll down if using a mobile device).
Podcast Host: Lisa Goodell
Lisa Goodell, M.A., launched the “Help for Special Educators” Podcast on April 1, 2019. She has taught for over 24 years, including third grade, resource/inclusion (RSP), and mild/moderate self-contained (SDC). Currently, she is an itinerant orthopedic impairment (OI) specialist/teacher for students birth to 21 years old in all general ed and special ed settings.
Lisa has a master’s degree in special education and six special ed and general ed teaching credentials. She has been honored as “Teacher of the Year” at both the elementary (2014) and secondary level (1994). She lives in rural Central California with her family and a bunch of cats. Connect with Lisa here. You can also get more information by listening to the beginning of Episode 1.
