Great Expectations
Pamela Saxon King
University of Texas - Tyler










“Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be.” ~Unknown Author
When I ran across this quote, it became very clear what I wanted to say in this essay. Years ago I was very unsatisfied with my career teaching music. At first I thought it was the school where I was working., Sso I changed schools, but I wasn’t any happier. Then I switched to a Mmiddle school for two years and I still did not feel fulfilled. Then I took a year off and made a vow to never to teach again. During that year, I did some substitute teaching. I worked a great deal in Sspecial Eeducation classrooms, as I had always toyed with the thought of becoming a Sspecial Eeducation teacher. I found I enjoyed it immensely. I also found that there were a lot of teachers who I wouldn’t want teaching my own Aautistic children. They didn’t seem to really understand what tsuch childreyn need. That is when I began studying for my certification test, and I am now, happily, a Sspecial Eeducation teacher. Nevertheless, I have found that, that isn’t enough. I want to do so much more.
Now I am on a career path that I am excited and proud to be on. So yYou ask, “What do I expect from this course?” I expect for this class to provide me with the knowledge and foundation necessary to get me closer to where I want to be. I want to be an expert in the field of special education, to understand the needs of these very special students, and to help them and their families, on their journey to success. The ways in which people learn are a key factor in understanding how to teach them. I feel this is especially important when teaching students with disabilities. I have done a lot of research and work in the Mtheory of multiple Iintelligences, but am eager to learn about the other theories this course will cover. I want my professor to guide me along this path, to help me know what I need to do to accomplish my goals, and to provide advice and knowledge. Most importantly, I expect, and want, honest feedback on how I can improve in order to become a leader in my field.
From me, my professor expects professionalism. One of the biggest responsibilities a Ddiagnostician has, is to be professional. I must produce a high quality of work, follow the guidelines, and meet the expectations. This includes being organized and meeting deadlines. That is a very important aspects of the Ddiagnostician’s position.: Bbeing proactive and seeking help when I need it, as well as being respectful of other people’s time and opinions. I am looking toward a bright future in Sspecial Eeducation and in beginning this journey. I expect that this course will be the beginningstart of a rewarding future.