Mrs. Lorenda Bradshaw, an Exceptional Children (EC) teacher at Dixon Road Elementary, was named JCPS Certified Employee of the Month for October 2024!
She always goes above and beyond for her team, and is a huge support for her students and fellow staff. She works hard to find anything that a child needs to help them succeed, and incorporates it into the classroom creating a great learning environment.
Mrs. Bradshaw answered questions on why she became an EC teacher, and what the profession of teaching which has, in turn, taught her.
Why did you choose the role of teaching?
It all began with a dear friend of mine and her daughter, who faced numerous medical diagnoses. Many afternoons were spent driving to various therapies, carefully planning our get-togethers around her daughter's needs.
It was during these moments that I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that dedicated teachers and healthcare professionals had on her life. I wanted to be part of a community that champions understanding, support, and advocacy for all individuals.
What has this profession taught you?
Every day, I am reminded of the vital role that collaboration plays in fostering student achievement. Working hand-in-hand with parents, I gain invaluable insights into each child, which helps tailor my approach to meet their unique needs. Together, we celebrate victories and navigate challenges.
My daily interactions with school-based staff, from instructional assistants to the administration, add additional layers of support. Our classroom would not be successful without the support and care of instructional assistants. I am thankful for these amazing people every day!
I collaborate regularly with related service providers, such as speech therapists and occupational therapists. These skilled professionals bring specific expertise that enriches the student's learning experience. With their support, we can help bridge the gaps that might otherwise hinder a child's progress, establishing a more successful environment.
In nurturing these collaborative relationships, we create not just a safe learning environment for our students but also cultivate a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
How do you create an environment for your students to feel successful?
Our classroom thrives on excitement! A constant positive energy transforms challenges into stepping stones, and learning activities into adventures. Recognizing and addressing sensory needs ensures that each student is prepared to engage fully, creating an environment where all learn.
How do you plan to build on your award-winning strategies?
Through continuing supporting students within the classroom and total school community with increasing awareness of neurodivergency.
As an educator, why is it important to build relationships with your students? How do you do that in your classroom?
Ultimately, the heart of education lies in building connections be it among students, between teacher and student, or within the broader school community. Each student’s voice deserves to be heard, transforming challenges into achievements and interests into lifelong passions.
At the start of each year during orientation, I make it a priority to engage with students and their families, asking about their interests, aspirations, and even their worries. This initial conversation isn’t just a formality, it’s the foundation upon which we build a supportive learning community.
By unpacking their interests and sharing a glimpse into what might cause them stress, we create an open dialogue that fosters trust. When students know their voices matter, they become more invested in their education with their participation.
As you continue as an educator, what are your future goals as it relates to education?
My future goal as an educator is to further my education and support other teachers in the special education field. I would love to help with classroom set-up, behavioral support/strategies, and strategy implementation. My heart lies with working with kids, and I would love to help empower other teachers to be successful in their classrooms.
What advice would you give to those thinking about a career in education?
It’s important to remember that teaching is not about having all the answers from the beginning. Our effectiveness grows alongside our students. Initially, we may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of responsibilities and challenges that come with the role, but as we navigate through these early days, we learn, adapt, and evolve together.
Teachers should understand the importance of seeking help, and should not hesitate to seek assistance from colleagues, mentors, or educational resources. Acknowledging that we don’t know it all is okay.