Originally wanting to pursue a career more math-focused, special education teacher Carolyn Riddle would have her path in life directed elsewhere when her son’s special education teacher inspired her to help students that faced challenges in their education. First starting off as an instructional assistant for a year, Riddle would move on to her current role of being a special education teacher for 21 years, all with a very important goal in mind.
“My goal was to make a difference in the lives of my students and to establish positive, collaborative relationships with their families,” she said.
Riddle continued to keep her goals in mind over the years, culminating in her retirement at the end of May this year. As years passed and her experience grew, many changes took place around her. These changes were both good and bad, and she had to adapt to accommodate them.
“The biggest change I have noticed over the years is the advances in technology and the positive and negative impact they have had upon students and staff,” she explained.
These changes would help her during her teaching career, leading to new opportunities for her students. As she helped her students grow and learn, they would make numerous achievements that would shape their future. These moments marked monumental progress and made for great memories, but Riddle couldn’t decide which of them is her favorite.
“There have been several, but seeing students overcome their fears (reading aloud, trying something new, riding an elevator/escalator, ect.) and be able to do something they didn't think they could ranks pretty high,” Riddle said.
Riddle has made a powerful impact on numerous students. As those students grow up and continue their lives, both here and beyond high school, Riddle hopes her impact will not be forgotten by them.
“I would like to be remembered as someone who helped facilitate independence in my students, so that they are able to have a higher quality of life as adults,” she said.
Though teachers are often remembered fondly, it certainly isn’t an easy job. While it has its hills, it also has its valleys. To help with the harder aspects of her job, Riddle came up with a system.
“Develop an organizational system that works for you,” she said. “It will be critical when it comes to the record keeping components required of this position.”
Riddle’s system would come in handy many times throughout her lengthy teaching career. Eventually, the time came when she began planning for her retirement. During her last six months of teaching, Riddle looks forward to how she will spend her time during her retirement.
“I will spend time with my husband, play with my grandchildren, do some traveling, camping, kayaking, boating and gardening,” she said. “I have a stack of books that are just waiting to be read. I will also assist in providing care for my mother.”
Story by Haley Western