After teaching several years in Plano ISD, Jasmine embarked on a new journey as a teacher for students with visual impairments in Dallas ISD. She has completed all her TExES exams and is completing her Internship 2023-2024 fall/spring and will be fully certified to teach the visually impaired. Jasmine was inspired by her blind daughter to pursue this incredible new adventure.
I graduated with a 2020 Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies.
My certification is EC-6 Education.
My first teaching position was in Plano ISD at Centennial Elementary. I taught 3rd grade and 5th grade. I actually did my student teaching there in 4th grade. I was there for 3 years.
I am certified to teach students with visual impairments. I have a Visual Impairment and a Braille Certification. My daughter, Bailey, is blind. I love what her teachers do for her and how they help her access general curriculum so she can attend school with her peers in our neighborhood.
I am a teacher for students with visual impairments in Dallas ISD. This is my first year. I am an itinerant teacher so that means I travel to the students to provide vision services. This could include making materials (large print, braille, different color, etc.) I also provide in class support and external support where I consult with teachers and parents. Sometimes, I pull students out of class, and we will work on their individualized goals. Vision services fall under the special education umbrella, so the goals are a part of their IEP. I have a total of 13 students on my caseload. The youngest student I have is 18 months and I often see her at home. The oldest student I have is 17.
On my typical day, I start at my office and prepare my materials for the day and review my schedule. Each day my schedule looks a bit different, it depends who I need to see. Sometimes things come up and I need to make a stop to check on a student or drop something off. I see one student 4 times per week so most days I am with them. I pull them out of class and work with the student for about 40 minutes, then I provide in class support for about 45 minutes. This includes working with them on classroom work and making sure they have the proper materials for the lesson. That could be counting manipulatives or his braille books.
Some challenges I am facing this year is that I do not belong to one specific campus so sometimes I do not have a consistent place to work. In the beginning of the year, it was difficult to find all of the teachers and case managers of my students and find a good time to meet with the staff. I feel like I’m a new teacher again. I’m learning my team, a new district, loads of staff, and the students—is a challenge in itself.
Teaching is so rewarding. I love the love kids give and to see their gears turning while they work. I love when they are so proud of themselves when they have “aha moments” and I love that I helped them get there. I love the many hats that teachers wear and that there are so many opportunities to change lives.
My favorite story is when my class was helping me prepare for my braille final. I was so nervous about it. They helped me do flashcards, quizzed me on material, and encouraged me. That was special, these 10-year-olds telling me they believed in me, and I could do it. My test fell on picture day, and they were so sad, but also happy because they wanted me to do my best. I finished my test early and texted my office manager to hold off for about 10 minutes so I could make the class picture. When I walked in, they were ecstatic! They all ran to hug me, and I told them I would never miss picture day. They asked how I did on my test, and I said I was nervous but hoping for the best. When I got news that I passed they celebrated with me and made me a poster. This was such a special moment. I was happy to be an example to them of hard work, grit, and perseverance. It warmed my heart how much they supported and looked up to me.
The advice I would give new teachers is never forget your “why.” Everyday won’t be sunshine and rainbows, but on the days it rains remembering your “why” will carry you through. Also, never stop learning. Education has so many positions and things to learn. We have got to keep learning to be able to meet the demands of education and best serve of kiddos. The last piece of advice is set aside “me time.” Teacher burnout is real and if you don’t take that time for yourself, you could easily become exhausted.