BPD3 Beyond The Bell Ep. 15: Meghan Myers Special Education Teacher at Oak Crest Elementary

Discover how Meghan Myers, a dedicated special education teacher at Oak Crest Elementary, has shaped her career driven by passion, mentorship, and community support. This episode explores the importance of inclusion, resilience, and the small victories that make a giant impact on students' lives.Key TopicsMeghan's journey into teaching and her path to special educationHer experience as a paraprofessional and how it prepared her for teachingThe role of mentorship and building community at Oak Crest ElementaryHow students teach resilience and patience dailyThe power of inclusive classrooms and community supportRecent student wins and celebrating small victoriesStrategies for collaboration with general education peersThe importance of asking for help and leveraging the district’s resourcesInsight into parent-partnered communication and involvementMeghan’s personal hobbies, favorite superheroes, and advice for future teachersTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and Meghan's personal connection to Oak Crest01:05 - Meghan’s journey into education and what brought her to Beach Park District 302:10 - Moving to Wisconsin and her decision process in selecting Oak Crest Elementary03:37 - First impressions and impressions of the community05:07 - Discovering her "why" and early influences that motivated her to pursue special education06:12 - Her struggles in school and her path to discovering her calling in kindness and special needs support07:35 - The significance of her special education 101 college course08:30 - Inspiration from her professors and her realization that every student can succeed09:57 - How her para-professional experience shaped her teaching philosophy11:03 - Respect for paraprofessionals and their critical role in special education12:29 - Mentors who influenced her (fifth-grade teacher Mr. V and colleague Ebony)15:03 - The compassionate nature of Oak Crest students and community’s inclusive culture16:33 - The exposure and understanding built through integrated classrooms from Oak Crest to middle school18:44 - Celebrating small wins in special education, Example of weather-themed class activity20:52 - How collaboration ensures full inclusion and success for students22:21 - Meghan’s extracurricular roles, including musical director and mentor teacher23:38 - District initiatives supporting paraprofessionals and new teachers24:55 - Lessons learned from students' resilience and life stories25:23 - Resources and community support for educators in Beach Park27:24 - The importance of asking for help in teaching and leadership28:32 - Collaborating with multiple teachers and building a support network29:17 - Partnering with parents via communication tools like Class Dojo30:05 - Personal interests: reading, superhero comics, and music31:46 - Favorite artists, concerts, and personal fun facts32:29 - Closing remarks: appreciation of educators’ impact and community spiritResources & Linksbpd3.org - Beach Park District 3 District Website#bpd3beyondthebell #bpd3podcast #bpd3famliy #bpd3oc #teachers #specialeducation #paraprofessionals