Student Testimonials

Jesus says...

In what ways did the special education master’s program prepare you to work as a special education teacher?

The program at UNM was a comprehensive formative experience that provided me with the theoretical, practical, and ethical tools needed to effectively work in complex educational settings, providing a solid conceptual foundation in key areas such as atypical development, learning theories, educational legislation, psychoeducational assessment, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as well as the legal and pedagogical principles that govern special education in public contexts.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a special education teacher?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing my students progress at their own pace and overcome obstacles that, in many cases, the system or society didn’t expect them to overcome. Knowing that my work has a real and direct impact on my students’ lives. Witnessing their processes, celebrating their achievements, and meeting their goals reminds me why I chose this profession. I also find great reward in the relationships formed with students and their families.

Joshua says...

What aspects of your special education master’s program did you find most useful?

First, the program was very teacher-friendly. I was able to continue to work full-time as a teacher while attending classes in the later afternoons and evenings to accommodate my schedule. Second, I enjoyed having a healthy mix of in-person, video synchronous, and asynchronous opportunities, as well as a very organized schedule of 8-week and 16-week class options to further fit my schedule but also build strong relationships between instructors and students. Third, I felt entirely supported! The program’s very supportive and knowledgeable instructors naturally promoted my own development and understanding of effective practices and how to apply them correctly and meaningfully for students. I absolutely felt that my instructors’ highest priority was to help all of us successfully teach student with disabilities. Most importantly, they were able to help each of us build on whatever individual backgrounds and experience we brought with us.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy convincing students with disabilities that they are students with abilities. I enjoy having autonomy in directing the schedule, learning activities, culture, procedures, and goals in my classroom. I enjoy collaborating with parents to improve the quality of life of my students at school, at home, and in their future. I also enjoy having evenings, weekends, and holidays off to spend time with my family. Joshua

Valerie says...

The special education master’s program at UNM helped me prepare for my job as a special education teacher by introducing me to teaching strategies and assessment methods that have been found to be successful with students with disabilities. I learned a lot about how to support and challenge my students.

Discussions about research articles and teaching strategies with my classmates were really helpful as well. The master’s courses encouraged me to learn from my classmates as well as from my professors.

The courses at UNM that I have found most helpful in my job as a special education teacher taught me how to support struggling readers and how to asses student progress efficiently. My courses at UNM taught me to advocate for my students and the importance of teaching them to advocate for themselves.