Lauren Collier
ชื่อ: Special Education Teacher
สถานที่ทำงาน: โรงเรียนประถมศึกษาคาเนโอเฮ
ปีใน HIDOE: 9
ปีในตำแหน่ง: 9
ถาม: อธิบายเส้นทางอาชีพของคุณสั้นๆ
ก: I began my teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching while completing my graduate studies. After gaining valuable experience in NYC’s diverse and high-needs school system, I relocated to Hawaiʻi and have proudly served at Kāneʻohe Elementary since 2017, where I have taught in several grades as an inclusion and resource special education teacher. Over the years, I have taken on additional leadership roles within the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, including participation in the Nā Kumu Alaka‘i program and the National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) network. I also serve as the Hawaiʻi State President of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), a part of the SPEDucator cohort in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advancing equitable and inclusive practices for all learners while strengthening the pipeline of highly qualified special education teachers in Hawaiʻi.
Q: How did you get into this field?
ก: I was drawn to the field of special education through my own lived experience as a neurodivergent learner. Growing up with dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADHD was often a source of shame, but over time it became a source of strength and purpose. What once felt like a barrier ultimately became the catalyst for my career, opening the door to a special education internship in college that completely reshaped how I saw myself and others as learners. That experience sparked my commitment to ensuring that all students, especially those who learn differently, are seen, supported and celebrated for their unique strengths.
ถาม: หน้าที่หลักของคุณคืออะไร?
ก: Answering this question is challenging because I wear many hats within my school community. However, my primary responsibilities center on teaching second and fourth grade language arts and math in the resource setting. I provide direct instruction, develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEP), write progress reports, and scaffold learning to support students’ success within the general education setting. Beyond these core duties, I collaborate closely with colleagues, families and support staff to create inclusive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students.
ถาม: ส่วนที่ชอบที่สุดของงานคืออะไร?
ก: My favorite part of the job is, by far, my students. Teaching them is the best part of what I do. I love seeing the little moments turn into big wins and watching their faces light up when something clicks. The pride they feel when they “get it” is incredible, and being part of that growth is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
ถาม: ส่วนที่ท้าทายที่สุดเกี่ยวกับตำแหน่งของคุณคืออะไร?
ก: The most challenging part of my position is navigating the adult dynamics within the system. Advocating for my students’ rights, services and inclusion can be frustrating when barriers or misunderstandings arise. My students deserve access to high-quality education and truly inclusive opportunities, and it can be disheartening when I have to fight for what should already be guaranteed. Still, these challenges fuel my commitment to systemic change and remind me why advocacy is such an essential part of teaching.
Q: How does your job support students?
ก: My job supports students by ensuring they have equitable access to learning and the tools they need to thrive. As a special education teacher, I design individualized instruction and provide targeted supports that help students reach their academic, social and behavioral goals. I collaborate closely with general education teachers to adapt curriculum, scaffold instruction, and create inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and capable. Beyond academics, I focus on building confidence, independence and self-advocacy so that each student can recognize and use their strengths both inside and outside the classroom.
ถาม: คุณมีคำแนะนำอะไรสำหรับคนที่กำลังพิจารณาตำแหน่งนี้บ้าง?
ก: My advice for anyone considering this role is to understand that advocacy is an essential part of the work. You’re not just teaching; you’re speaking up for your students’ needs and rights. At the same time, embrace the fact that this job is never dull. Every day brings movement, change and new challenges, which makes it an incredibly dynamic and rewarding career.
Q: Fun fact about yourself?
ก: Even though my teaching passion is literacy, I didn’t fall in love with reading until college. Now, I can’t stop collecting children’s books for my classroom library and reading new titles on my Kindle.
Lauren Collier was named the 2025 Castle-Kahuku Complex Area Teacher of the Year.
