Partner Interview with
Liz Lombardo
The Basics
Q: What population do you work with?
A: I currently teach at Burley School in Chicago. I teach a 6th through 8th grade cross-categorical Special Education classroom. I teach separate special education language arts and mathematics classes. My students join the regular education classrooms for science and social studies. I have 16 learning disabled students on my caseload. My students are from a variety of racial backgrounds and many come from low-income households.
Q: What do you like about your job?
A: There are many aspects of my job that I really enjoy. First and foremost, the best part of my job is my students. Most of my students join my class when they are in sixth grade. I have the pleasure of being able to teach them for three consecutive years. I truly am able to witness their academic and personal growth. In addition to the wonderful students at my school, I am blessed to be working with an amazing staff. I am extremely lucky to work with such professional teachers.
Q: What is challenging about your job?
A: The most challenging aspect of my job is juggling schedules for three different grade levels. It is difficult to teach three different grade levels and as a result I am unable to be with my students when they are in their mainstream classrooms. My assistant divides her time supporting students in their science and social studies classes. However, if I could miraculously find a way to add more time to the day I would love to co-teach with the regular education science and social studies teachers.
Looking Back
Q: How do you feel your university courses prepared you for teaching?
A: I attended Boston College for my undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. I felt that my graduate courses were very helpful and applicable. However, nothing can prepare you enough for the classroom. Your first year teaching is going to be overwhelming and challenging no matter what!
The most helpful part was the pre-practicums and practicum experiences. At Boston College, students spend one day a week for a semester each year of the program in a classroom. In addition, students are also required to spend a whole semester student teaching in a classroom every day. For me this was the most valuable part of my university experience because you were able to put into practice what you were learning in the classroom.
The first year
Q: What was your first year of teaching like?
A: It was unbelievably challenging and overwhelming! I felt like I never left my classroom!
Q: What was easy/hard?
A: It was very difficult, but it improved everyday.
Q: What kept you going?
A: I was warned initially that the first year is the hardest so I went in expecting it. In addition, I began working out afterschool each day to release stress. I just kept telling myself that this is just for one year and things would be different next year. Sure enough, my second year was a hundred times better! In addition, you learn so much from your first year and I was so eager to start teaching my second year because I had so many ideas for my curriculum and what I wanted to do differently.
Legacy
Q: What is the message you would like to give to those preparing to teach?
A: I would tell aspiring teachers to try to relax your first year. Expect it to be challenging and realize that you are not going to be perfect. You will make mistakes each year but your teaching ability will improve with experience and you have the opportunity to start all over each year!
Q: What is the most important thing about teaching/becoming a teacher?
A: The most important thing about being a teacher is realizing the power you have to change lives!
