5 minute read
October 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton
Community Impact: QUESTION & ANSWER Session With A COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Dulce Myers, Canton Local Schools Intervention Specialist
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Dulce Myers
Question: Where do you work currently? Answer: I currently work in Canton Local Schools at Faircrest Memorial Elementary.
Q: What is your job title here? A: Intervention Specialist (mild to moderate)
Q: How long have you been employed with your current job? A: Two years but have been teaching for 10 years
Q: How long have you been employed in this industry? A: 10 years
Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry? A: My first teaching job was at Southgate. I taught a self-contained MH unit. I then worked in Canton City Schools at Belden Elementary. At Belden, I worked with students with moderate to severe autism in a selfcontained unit.
Q: What is your educational background? A: I obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s from Malone University. I am licensed to teach general education PrK-3 and special education PrK-12. I obtained my master’s in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction.
Q: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include? A: At my current position in Canton Local, I do pull out instruction and work with my students on their specific IEP goals. My main focus has been strengthening students’ reading skills. In the schools, we are experiencing serious reading deficits due to the pandemic. I really enjoy teaching reading and seeing my students gain confidence and make progress.
Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field? A: When I started at Malone, my mentor Dr. Beth Clark-Thomas encouraged me to pursue special education along with early childhood education. It was just a few extra classes, so I signed up, and the rest is history. When I got out of college, I struggled to find a job. I applied at Stark County Board of Disabilities and was offered a teaching position at Southgate. I was unsure if I could do the job. I was really inexperienced to work with people with moderate to severe disabilities. With bravery and courage, I accepted the position. My career journey has been all part of “God’s” plan for me. I just accepted his call. The students and families I have worked with over the years have changed my life. Working with adults and children with disabilities has been the hardest work I have ever done but the most rewarding work as well.
Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about? A: I am really passionate about getting the community to see the ABILITY in my students, not their disabilities. Everyone has a given gift and talent.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field? A: Persevere, persevere, persevere. When discouraged, always go back to the “why” of your work. What is your “why”?
Q: What is your favorite success story you have seen? A: When I worked in Canton City Schools, I worked with a young man with autism who literally laid on the sidewalk every morning after getting off the bus. He refused to come into the building for months. He was nonverbal, did not like school and had low confidence. My assistants and I persevered, and now this young man is thriving. We tapped into his interests, and that made all the difference. He can’t stop talking now, and he loves going to school. I was so proud of him because at the end of his fourth-grade year, he participated in the All City Band Show as a drummer. He is an amazing young man full of talent. He is truly a success story.
Q: If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself? A: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Change doesn’t happen overnight; things take time.
Q: Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job, and why? A: I believe I am making a difference. All of my students I worked with have made progress in some way, whether it be academically, emotionally, or behaviorally.
Q: What is something you would change in your field for the better if you could? A: I wish the public school system worked more closely with the county board of developmental disabilities. I feel parents are misinformed about the services available to their children outside of the school setting. Services and waivers that parents need to start applying for before their child is of age.
Q: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate? A: Do your research, and don’t take “no” for an answer. Ask all the questions and really understand what you are signing. Utilize the county board of developmental disabilities for resources for your child.
Q: Where do you see your industry moving forward? A: My hope is that more training facilities become available in our community for individuals with disabilities after graduation.
Q: What has been the biggest factor in your career success? A: My biggest factor in my career success is working with a team of people that are all working towards the same goal. I have been so fortunate to work with wonderful assistants over the years that’s number-one goal is doing whatever it takes to ensure the success of individuals with disabilities. It makes all the difference.
Q: What is your favorite nonprofit organization or volunteer opportunity? A: My favorite nonprofit organization is Whole Latte Love Cafe. I love the mission of the organization. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful place in Stark County. The cafe is changing lives for individuals with disabilities. I visited the cafe over my spring break and knew immediately that I needed to get a job there. I feel so blessed to be a part of an amazing organization.
