The Teacher Feature is a monthly series highlighting a teacher or an administrator. If you would like to request a specific teacher, please send an email to
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Find past featured teachers in the Teacher Feature Archive (click here).
This Month: Amy Flowers, Special Education
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Teacher Feature: Hi Amy! Thanks so much for talking to us a little about yourself for this month’s Teacher Feature.
First, I’d like to ask you how you came to work here at RSF (e.g. training, education, etc.).
Amy Flowers: After I graduated from UCSD with a B.A. in Psychology, I started working as an instructional aide at Springall Academy, a local non-public school for students with special needs. I fell in love with the kids and with teaching, so I decided to get my teaching credential in Special Education from San Diego State University. I applied to the RSF School District and they hired me for my first teaching position. I’m still here – 10 years later!
TF: Well, we are certainly glad to have you. Can you tell me what the age range of your students is this year?
AF: Currently, I work with students in grades 4, 6, and 7.
TF: What is the ratio of students to teachers/instructional aides?
AF: This year, I have 11 students and am fortunate to have four amazing instructional assistants.
TF: Wonderful. It’s great to know they are getting so much individualized attention. Now, I know you use a lot of technology in your classroom – can you explain what devices and apps you find to be the most useful?
AF: I have several students with low-incidence disabilities who use technology on a daily basis. One student with visual impairments uses a hand-held device called a Pebble to magnify documents. Another student with speech articulation and communication challenges uses app on the iPad called Proloquo2Go. Using the app, he is able to locate icons or type in words to have the device “speak” for him. For a student who is hearing impaired, I wear a microphone and he places a speaker on his desk to amplify my voice. Of course, we use several programs and apps for all of the students.
TF: And to think, when we were kids, cell phones still came in a bag! For our audience, can you describe a typical day in your classroom?
AF: Certainly. We start the morning by checking homework and going over the day’s schedule. Next, we have writing. I do a whole-group lesson using the Smartboard, followed by the students’ working on their individual writing pieces on the computers. We’re currently working on persuasive essays. After writing and recess, we have math groups until lunchtime. After lunch, we have reading and word study groups. In the afternoons, most students go to a general education class for social studies, science, PE, or electives. Students also come and go throughout the day to receive other special education services, including Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, Adaptive P.E., and Counseling.
TF: Tell us, Amy, what are the best and worst parts of your job?
AF: In my opinion, I have the best job at this school because I get to work with such amazing and unique kids who make me smile everyday. I am so proud to be their teacher. The worst part of my job is the paperwork!
TF: What do you feel is the future of special education in this country (besides more paperwork)?
AF: According to recent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 88 children is now identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. Our education system needs to have qualified teachers and support staff to meet the needs of this growing population of students.
TF: Agreed. Thank you again for giving us a glimpse into an important part of our school.
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Favorites Favorite food and restaurant: My favorite treat is a chocolate-chip Pizookie from BJ’s Pizza! Favorite way to spend an afternoon: BBQ with friends Favorite animal: My dog, Cooper. He’s a year-old Golden Retriever. Dream vacation location: Greece Favorite place to shop: Home Goods Favorite TV show: Top Chef Favorite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks How do you take your coffee? Cream, no sugar |
Teacher Feature is written by Ross Hansen, Librarian at Rancho Santa Fe School District. Copyright 2012, Rancho Santa Fe School District.
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