Special Education Teacher: Stephanie’s Story

Wisconsin special education teacher Stephanie share’s her path to teaching story. Read on to learn her story, in her words.

Hello!

I’m Stephanie Poplin. I’m excited to share my story as a Special Education teacher, and how American Board helped me make an amazing career change.

My Life Before Teaching

Before entering education, I spent 16 years working in finance and customer service. In these fields, I always felt something was missing from my daily work. While I enjoyed helping people solve problems, I found myself wanting to make a deeper difference in people’s lives. I noticed that I was happiest when I was mentoring new employees or helping colleagues learn new skills.

Why I Became a Special Education Teacher

I made a career change and started being the administration assistant for Special Education. I was helping a student with their homework, and I met a student who struggled with reading. When I saw the joy on his face after we worked together and he finally understood a difficult concept, I knew I had found my calling. That’s when I realized I was meant to be a teacher.

I was especially drawn to Special Education because I believe every student deserves the chance to succeed, no matter what challenges they face. I aim to be the teacher who never gives up on a student, and always finds creative ways to help them learn.

Discovering American Board

I learned about the American Board’s program through online research when I was looking for alternative certification programs. What caught my attention was their focus on practical, real-world teaching skills rather than just theory. I also appreciated that they understood career changers like me needed flexible options.

Why American Board Was Right for Me

I selected American Board because they offered:

• Flexible online learning that worked with my schedule
• Real classroom experience from day one
• Support from experienced mentors
• A program designed for people changing careers

The program understood that I brought valuable life experience to teaching, even though I didn’t have a traditional education background.

Study Tips that Worked

Here’s what I wish I had known when I started:

• Create a consistent study schedule, even 30 minutes a day helps
• Form study groups with other candidates
• Practice teaching concepts out loud to yourself
• Use real examples from your current job or life experience

Where I Teach Now

I currently teach Special Education at Hayward High School, working with students in grades 9-12. My classroom serves students with various learning differences, including autism, ADHD, and specific learning disabilities.

What I Love About My Position

Every day brings new challenges and amazing breakthrough moments. I love seeing students gain confidence as they master new skills. The variety in my day keeps me engaged – one moment I might be teaching math strategies, and the next I’m helping a student practice social skills.

The collaboration with other teachers, parents, and specialists creates a true team environment where everyone is working toward the same goal: helping students succeed.

Final Thoughts

Making the switch to teaching through the American Board was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re considering this path, know that it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. You have valuable skills from your previous career that will make you a unique and effective teacher.

The students need teachers who bring different perspectives and life experiences to the classroom. Your journey to teaching might be different, but that’s exactly what makes you special! Learn more about American Board here.