“An honor and a privilege,” is how Bay University teacher Tish Herron describes being part of the Bay University program. Herron has worked in special education for over 15 years and strives to ensure all students can succeed in her classes.
“I love these kids, and they all have something different they bring to the table,” Herron said. “They’re just the happiest, most wonderful kids that you can be around.”
It isn’t just the students that make Herron’s days special, but also the sense community that emerges from the Bay University program.
“If you ever get an opportunity to go to a dance, you see the friendships that are made in the community. We have alumni that are coming here, [at] 35 years old, years later coming back,” Herron said. “We know the families—we follow their journey.”
As part of her job, Herron said she prioritizes open communication with her students’ families, sharing her phone number with parents and encouraging them to reach out whenever needed. Even outside of her contract hours, her students and their families remain an important part of her daily life.
“I don’t want anyone stressed out. I don’t want them worried about stuff that they don’t need to be worried about. I would much rather have open communication and [be] an open book, whatever you need. Come talk to me. Let’s work through this,” Herron said.
Working in special education also comes with its own set of challenges, as Herron manages a classroom of students with vastly different needs.
“[It can be] challenging because if [students] can’t communicate, and you’re trying all the things that you’ve been taught and all the strategies that you’ve been told should work, and they’re not working, it’s like ok what can I do next?” Herron said.
Another aspect of working in the Bay University program that Herron finds particuraly rewarding is witnessing the growth of her students. A crucial part of the program is teaching students transitional skills for life beyond the classroom. One of Herron’s favorite memories was was seeing the result of both her and her students’ hard work.
“My favorite memory [in special education] is when I taught a student to travel on the bus by themselves to a job site. That was the most rewarding and incredible thing I’ve ever done. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh’. You just have this pride knowing that your students are capable, and giving them the opportunities to do it[makes this] a very rewarding job,” Herron said.
