About

Every child encounters the question: What do you want to be when you grow up?

As a child, I proudly said, "Teacher," without really knowing what that meant.  I would pretend play school with friends down the street in Southern California. I shared and took turns being teacher and student, of course.  That was a phase.  Then in high school, I started tutoring kids in my neighborhood.  I thought, this is fun.  Again, another phase in my life.

I studied psychology and social behavior and minored in educational studies at the University of California, Irvine for my undergrad.  That field was related to education; I took courses in elementary math, how to teach English language learners, etc. and was even a student teacher at different public schools.  However, I still wasn't 100% positive that's what I wanted as my career.  

It wasn't until the fall of 2004, where a family needed extra help with their 4-year-old son with autism.  At that time, I had no idea what autism was.  I quickly fell in love with learning this boy with special needs.  That mom said to me one day, "This is what you need to be doing...working with children.  Because you know a child is most comfortable and happy to play and learn when he makes bowel movements every time you are around."  (FYI: Some children with special needs do have difficulty with their bowels.)  At that time, I didn't know to feel disgusted or thankful.  Either way, I carried that comment in my mind ever since. I knew I wanted to work with more children with autism and special needs and I did.  I was an one-on-one behavioral therapist for 2 years for one of the world's largest organizations that uses ABA.  I worked with children ages 3 to 12 years old.  That love of working with children with special needs became a passion.  It was inevitable; I had to become a teacher to teach and work with children with special needs.  

I furthered my education and went through the Dual-Certification Masters of Arts program in Early Childhood Education and Special Education: Early Childhood at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.  What a fantastic 2 years in NYC.  I still miss that NYC-vibe.  

In Sept. 2008, I started my teaching career.  I've taught and learned from Pre-K and Kinder students with moderate-severe special needs, as well as mild-moderate special needs population.  I've been a 5th grade general ed teacher and a 2nd grade general ed teacher.  These amazing assignments have taken me from NY to SoCal to Belgium and now, England, as a 1st grade teacher.  

As I continue working on my passion as an educator, I invite you to comment and share my knowledge as I share with you.  

Thank you for taking the time to join me.  

With love,

Ms. Lulu