Being a special education teacher is all about those "lightbulb" moments. That's why I am passionate about it. I chose this career because it just as rewarding for me as it is for my students. I live for those moments when a child finally understands the topic at hand. I am also passionate about special education because it motivates me to obtain all of goals. When I see how hard my students work, it gives me a push to achieve what I want out of life as well. There are no other groups of students that work harder to achieve their goals. Students in special education work toward meeting their specific goals each year. Some of them may not be on grade level in reading and math, but they show more growth than any other students. By the time they leave my classroom, I can say they are not where they used to be. Special education also allows me to build a relationship with each student I teach. I spend so much time with these students trying to form lasting bonds. It is my goal for each student to feel as though they can trust me with being who they are. Special education also allows me to understand society as a whole. A special education classroom is filled with so many different needs and personalities. The world we live is much bigger than my small town. Teaching this class has allowed me take a step back to see that my small town in Georgia is not how the rest of the world operates. These special education students do operate as general education students. This profession has allowed me to have insight on different people and their ways of life. It has helped me grow as a person, and to become for empathetic for all people. To say that this job is rewarding would be an understatement. It has changed who I am as a person for the better. If I can serve my students as they have served me, I know I have done something noteworthy. Special education has also shown me that it takes the whole school to teach one child, whether that child is in special education or general education. It has helped me learn to lean on my colleagues in times of need. Teaching is not a competitive profession. It is a cooperative profession. We are not here to make ourselves look good by boasting the highest test scores. We are here to help each student achieve their personal goals. I am passionate about special education because special education made me passionate about my students.