January 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Question and Answer session with Amy Whitacre

Lead middle school teacher at The Golden Key School for exceptional children

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: The Golden Key School for Exceptional Children

Question: What is your job title here?

Answer: Lead Middle School Teacher

Question: How long have you been employed with your current job?

Answer: 4 ½ years

Question: How long have you been employed in this industry?

Answer: 10 Years

Question: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

Answer: I have been a part of the educational industry for about ten years. I first started as a substitute teacher for various districts, then evolved into a special needs teacher.

Question: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

Answer: My responsibility as a special needs teacher in Ohio is to implement the state learning standards and provide appropriate accommodations and modifications to meet the individual academic needs of my students. This is accomplished by providing a supportive and effective learning environment with the resources my students need to succeed.

Question: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

Answer: I worked in the corporate world for years, feeling unfulfilled until I was given the opportunity to break into the educational field through a job opening to fill in for teachers on leave. The first time I worked with an autistic child, I made a connection that others struggled to make. I was able to break through the learning challenges by utilizing patience, gaining trust and trying different communication strategies. I can say from that moment on, being a special needs teacher has become my passion.

Question: What part of your job are you most passionate about?

Answer: I am most passionate about helping my students reach their highest potential. As an educator, we are always learning, training, and researching educational materials to help us grow in our profession. With that being said, I have to admit that my greatest educator happens to be my students. They have taught me the most valuable lessons about patience, compassion, endurance, competence, acceptance and love.

Question: What advice would you give to someone new to your field?

Answer: Enjoy the time you have with your students by making learning a positive experience. It’s ok to be playful, be silly and laugh when you can. Show your students that you care about them and are proud of them. Remember to be flexible in your teaching styles while keeping realistic expectations, and last but not least, always assume competence.

Question: What is your favorite success story you have seen?

Answer: It’s the beautiful moment when a student with significant social and communication challenges forms new friendships by using the social thinking skills they have learned in your classroom, the pride that washes over my students when they realize all of their hard work paid off and they have mastered a new concept and the simple joy of watching them walk into class first thing in the morning with a smile on their face because they are excited to come to school. It’s all that and so much more.

Question: What advice would you give to help parents navigate your field?

Answer: Be a tenacious advocate for your child, and teach your child to be their own advocate. Help them learn to communicate their needs with others by using any tools that will allow them to be heard.

Question: Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

Answer: I can see the Golden Key School embracing the future as an Industry leader in the world of Autism. I cannot express to you how much passion and dedication this organization has poured and continues to pour into this very important cause. I am proud to be a Golden Key Warrior!

Question: What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

Answer: The administration here at the Golden Key School for Exceptional Children has been the biggest factor in my career success. From the moment I signed on to be a lead teacher, they have gone above and beyond to provide support, training and continued education to aid in my success as a special needs teacher.