Hi, I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’ve found your way to this space, chances are you’re either working in education, thinking about it, or just trying to figure it all out as you go—and honestly, same.
For a long time, I was a stay-at-home mom.
Even though I already had a master’s degree, I chose to be home with my kids during those early years. And if you’re a mom, you already know—that in itself is a full-time job.
When my second child started kindergarten, I felt ready to slowly step back into the workforce. Not all at once… just something that made sense for my life at that stage.
So I became a paraprofessional at her school.
It felt like the perfect way to ease back in.
The part I didn’t expect…
The school happened to have a self-contained autism program.
And I had never worked with autistic children before.
Not in school.
Not in a professional setting.
Not like this.
So when I say my first day was a shock… I mean that in the most honest way possible.
I walked in thinking I had a general idea of what the job would be.
I did not.
There were behaviors I had never experienced before.
Situations I didn’t feel fully prepared for.
Moments where I thought, “Okay… no one mentioned this part.”
And let’s just say… the paycheck wasn’t exactly what convinced me to stay. 😅
But something changed
Somewhere along the way, something shifted.
I started to understand the students more.
I started to see the progress—the small wins that don’t always look big from the outside.
I learned how to support behaviors, how to stay calm in difficult moments, and how to connect with students in ways I hadn’t before.
And unexpectedly… I fell in love with it.
Not because it was easy.
But because it mattered.
Choosing to become a teacher
After about two years, I realized something:
I didn’t just want to support in the classroom anymore—I wanted to lead one.
I had discovered a genuine love for teaching, especially when it came to helping students build reading skills. It came naturally to me, and I found so much joy in watching it click for kids.
So I made the decision to go back to school and pursue a second master’s degree in education to become a teacher.
I’m still currently working on my master’s, while continuing to work as a special education paraprofessional—and honestly, I’m really enjoying where I am in this season.
At this point, it’s not just a job anymore.
It’s something I truly care about.
Why I started this blog
There’s something I noticed early on in this journey.
Paraprofessionals—especially in special education—don’t get talked about enough.
The work they do.
The emotional load they carry.
The impact they have on students every single day.
It’s often overlooked.
And I wanted to create a space where that part of education is actually seen and understood.
What you’ll find here
This blog is a mix of everything I’ve learned, experienced, and am still figuring out.
- Real-life classroom experiences
- Special education support and strategies
- Practical resources and printables
- Teacher lifestyle and organization
- And honest conversations about what this work is really like
Nothing perfect. Nothing filtered.
Just real life—from someone who’s been in it.
A little more about me
I’m a mom of two school-aged kids, balancing work, school, and home life all at once.
Some days feel productive.
Some days feel like survival mode.
But through all of it, I’m learning, growing, and continuing to show up.
My faith is also a big part of how I navigate both life and the classroom. It helps ground me, especially on the harder days, and reminds me to lead with patience and compassion.
Final thoughts
If you’re a paraprofessional, an aspiring teacher, or someone just trying to find your place in education…
You’re not alone in this.
And I’m really glad you’re here.
Classroom Chíc 