I remember what it was like to be a senior in high school and having no idea what to go to college for.  I felt like I wanted to do everything: marine biologist, crime scene investigator, fashion buyer, graphic designer & the list goes on.  So this new blog post series is just for high school seniors!  It interviews successful career women so you can see what it takes to get where they are now, what a typical day looks like for them, etc.

So first up is Emily Cross.  If you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Special Education Teacher, read on!

1. What do you do?
I am a self contained autism/special education teacher

2. How long have you been doing that?
I’ve been teaching for 6 years

3. Is that what you wanted to do when you were in High school? If not, what did you want to be? 
I always knew I wanted to teach – from a really young age.

4. How did you get started in your career? Did you go to school for that?
I went to NAU and received a dual degree in Elementary and Special education. I started my career in Gilbert teaching children with learning disabilities, but I always had an interest in working with children with ‘autism spectrum disorders’. 2 years ago, a new job opportunity presented itself to me – working with children with ASD so I jumped right on it. Even though it was hard to leave my current job at that time, it was the best thing that happened in my career. I absolutely love my current classroom and students.

5. What do you love most about your job? 
The thing I love most about my job is…summer vacation? LOL. All laughing aside, I love the new challenges I am faced with each day. No two days are ever alike and my students’ needs are ever changing. Each day my students teach me something new and incredibly valuable. This is priceless.

6. What is the hardest part about your job?
The hardest part of my job is getting it all done. Many times I find myself asking ‘did I do enough?’ There’s a lot of pressure and expectations and what feels like so little time. I always say, “if I did the best, with what I have, where I am” then that is enough.

7. What does a typical work day look like for you?
A typical workday starts at 6am! – After hitting snooze a few times… I desire to be better about waking up early! I usually arrive to my classroom by 8am and stay until 4pm on a good day. Many times I will stay late, or have meetings that keep me from leaving before 6pm. My day seems to be a whirlwind most of the time. My students require constant attention and cannot be left unsupervised. I make sure to take a 30 minute lunch break amidst the organized chaos.

8. What advise do you have for seniors who want to get started in your career? 
My advise to anyone interested in being a teacher would be to go out into as many classrooms and schools as you can. A hands on experience is so important for this profession. No single textbook can ever prepare you for what it is really like to work with children. Also, explore any and every grade level – even if you think your mind is made up as to which age/content area you’d like to teach. You may be pleasantly surprised!

9. What were you like when you were a senior in high school? 
As a senior in high school, I was somewhat shy. I moved to a new school my senior year and didn’t know too many people. I was eager to graduate and start college – where everyone had a fresh start and was meeting new people together!

10. If you could tell your 18 year old self something, what would it be? 
If I could tell my 18-year old self something, it would be ‘Mr. Right is out there – you’re just not ready for him yet!’ OH and ‘don’t be so serious all the time’. 🙂

Thank you so much, Emily, for answering my questions!!  What you do is such an important job.  I hope this helps anyone who’s looking to become a teacher!