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Marisol Haywood

1x

Finalist

Bio

I life goals are to reach to the top and keep on believing in myself that I can do it and don’t give up.

Education

Post University

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Education, Other

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto

Technical bootcamp
2020 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Education, Other

Eastside High School

High School
1996 - 2000

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

    • Teacher

      Day cafe
      2022 – Present4 years

    Research

    • Education, Other

      Bright Start academy — Teacher
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Casa — Packing
      2000 – 2012
    RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
    My passion for the special education teacher profession is grounded in a strong commitment to educational equity, inclusion, and evidence-based instructional practices that support diverse learners. Special education represents a critical component of the educational system, ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate services that allow them to access the curriculum, develop essential skills, and achieve their full potential. I am drawn to this profession because it integrates pedagogy, collaboration, advocacy, and individualized instruction in ways that directly address systemic inequities within education. Special education is founded on the principle that all students are capable of learning when instruction is intentionally designed to meet their unique needs. Unlike traditional educational models that often rely on standardized instruction, special education prioritizes differentiation, accommodation, and flexibility. This individualized approach aligns with my educational philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing students’ cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral differences. As a future special education teacher, I am motivated to implement instructional strategies that are responsive to diverse learning profiles, thereby promoting academic growth and functional independence. A central component of special education is the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IEPs serve as legally binding documents that outline specific goals, accommodations, and services tailored to each student. My passion for special education is reinforced by the opportunity to actively participate in this process, using data-driven decision-making to design instruction that is both meaningful and measurable. The ability to monitor progress, adjust interventions, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams ensures that instruction remains aligned with students’ evolving needs. The role of advocacy is another critical factor influencing my interest in special education. Students with disabilities often encounter barriers related to accessibility, representation, and lowered expectations. Special education teachers are uniquely positioned to advocate for appropriate services, inclusive placements, and equitable treatment within schools. I am passionate about ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while also promoting ethical practices that prioritize student dignity and autonomy. Collaboration is integral to effective special education practice. Special education teachers regularly work alongside general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families. This collaborative framework supports a holistic approach to student development. I value this interdisciplinary teamwork, as it fosters shared responsibility and collective problem-solving. Engaging in collaborative planning and professional dialogue enhances instructional quality and ensures consistency across learning environments. Assessment and progress monitoring are also foundational to special education. Unlike traditional grading systems, special education assessment focuses on growth relative to individualized goals. I am passionate about using formative and summative assessments to evaluate instructional effectiveness and student progress. Recognizing incremental improvements—such as increased independence, improved communication, or enhanced self-regulation—reinforces the importance of data-informed instruction and reinforces student motivation. Inclusive education further strengthens my commitment to special education. Inclusion supports not only students with disabilities but also the broader school community by promoting diversity, empathy, and social competence. Research indicates that inclusive practices contribute to positive academic and social outcomes for all learners. As a special education teacher, I am committed to supporting inclusive instructional models that allow students with disabilities to participate meaningfully in general education settings whenever appropriate. The dynamic and evolving nature of special education also appeals to me. Advances in assistive technology, instructional methodologies, and behavioral interventions require educators to engage in continuous professional development. I am motivated by the expectation of lifelong learning and the opportunity to apply current research to classroom practice. Remaining informed about evidence-based strategies ensures that instruction is effective, ethical, and responsive to student needs. In conclusion, my passion for the special education teacher profession is rooted in a commitment to equity, advocacy, collaboration, and individualized instruction. Special education offers the opportunity to address educational disparities while empowering students with disabilities to develop academic competence, self-advocacy skills, and independence. By pursuing this profession, I aim to contribute meaningfully to an inclusive educational system that values all learners and supports their success. ⸻ Version 2: More Emotional / Personal Tone Why I Am Passionate About the Special Education Teacher Profession My passion for becoming a special education teacher comes from a deep belief that every child deserves to feel valued, capable, and supported. Special education is not just about teaching academic skills; it is about understanding students as individuals and helping them navigate a world that is not always designed for their needs. I am drawn to this profession because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives by meeting them where they are and helping them grow in ways that matter most to them. What inspires me most about special education is the belief that learning looks different for every student. Many students with disabilities are often misunderstood or underestimated, not because they lack ability, but because traditional teaching methods do not reflect how they learn best. As a special education teacher, I want to be someone who sees students for who they are—not their labels—and helps them recognize their own strengths. I am passionate about creating learning environments where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and celebrate their progress. Building relationships is at the heart of special education, and it is one of the main reasons I feel called to this profession. Special education teachers have the unique opportunity to work closely with students and truly understand their needs, personalities, and goals. These relationships are built on trust, patience, and consistency. I want to be the teacher who students feel comfortable turning to, the one who believes in them even when learning feels overwhelming. Advocacy is another powerful aspect of special education that fuels my passion. Many students with disabilities cannot always speak up for themselves, and they rely on educators to ensure their needs are met. Being a special education teacher means being a voice for students—during meetings, in classrooms, and within the school system. I am passionate about standing up for students’ rights, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations, and reminding others that high expectations and compassion can coexist. Special education also teaches the importance of celebrating progress in all its forms. Success is not always measured by grades or test scores. Sometimes success looks like a student using words instead of frustration, completing a task independently, or believing in themselves for the first time. These moments are powerful and deeply meaningful. I am passionate about recognizing these achievements and helping students feel proud of their growth. Inclusion plays a significant role in my desire to become a special education teacher. Inclusive classrooms promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance. When students with disabilities are supported in inclusive environments, they gain social connections and confidence, while their peers learn compassion and respect for differences. I want to be part of creating classrooms and school communities where diversity is celebrated and every student feels like they belong. The creativity required in special education is another reason I find the profession so rewarding. No two students learn the same way, which means lessons must be flexible, engaging, and adapted to individual needs. Whether it involves hands-on activities, visual supports, or alternative communication methods, special education challenges teachers to think creatively. I am excited by the opportunity to design instruction that is meaningful and accessible for all learners. Family collaboration is also central to special education, and I value the trust families place in educators. Parents and caregivers know their children better than anyone, and their perspectives are essential. I am passionate about building strong relationships with families through open communication, respect, and teamwork. Working together ensures consistency and provides students with the support they need to succeed. Ultimately, my passion for special education comes from a desire to make a lasting, positive impact. Special education teachers help students develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom—confidence, independence, resilience, and self-advocacy. Being part of that journey is both a responsibility and an honor. I am inspired by the strength of students who face challenges with courage and determination, and I am committed to supporting them every step of the way. Becoming a special education teacher means choosing a profession that requires patience, empathy, and dedication—but it also offers unmatched rewards. It means believing in students when others may not, celebrating every victory, and working tirelessly to ensure that all students are seen, heard, and valued. This is why special education is not just a career path for me—it is a passion rooted in purpose, compassion, and hope.
    RonranGlee Special Needs Teacher Literary Scholarship
    When Professor Harold Bloom says, “the purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence,” I believe this means helping students discover their worth, voice, and confidence. For students with special needs, this is especially powerful, as they often face obstacles or labels that overshadow their unique strengths. I connect with this deeply because my own path has not been easy. Balancing my education with family responsibilities, personal hardships, and the demands of running a small business taught me resilience, patience, and determination. I know what it feels like to fight to be seen and to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences are what drive me to become a special education teacher. My mission is to create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable. I will adapt my teaching to meet each student’s needs, celebrate their progress, and remind them that setbacks do not define who they are. Just as I learned to persevere, I want my students to leave my classroom with not only knowledge but also a stronger sense of themselves and confidence in the presence they bring to the world. My fairy tale Once upon a time, in a busy kingdom where some children felt invisible, there lived a teacher named Marisol. She carried no crown or sword, but instead a lantern filled with light from her own journey through struggle and perseverance. She knew how it felt to walk in the dark, searching for hope, and she promised to help others find their way. In her classroom, Marisol listened carefully, seeing each child for who they truly were. She noticed the quiet child whose hands created art full of magic, the one who solved puzzles with the cleverness of a fox, and the one who found courage to speak even after years of silence. With patience, kindness, and encouragement, she lit small flames inside each heart. One by one, the children began to shine—not because she carried the lantern, but because she showed them the light they already held within. And so, the once-dim corners of the kingdom grew brighter, filled with the presence of children who now knew their own worth. They no longer felt invisible, for they had discovered their own power. And Marisol, their teacher, became the heroine not for giving them her light, but for helping them see that their own had been there all along.
    Donovan Harpster “Called to Teach” Scholarship
    One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been balancing my education with the responsibilities of family and running my own small business. There were moments when the weight of providing for my family, meeting deadlines for my business, and keeping up with my studies felt overwhelming. It would have been easier to give up, but instead I learned how to persevere, manage my time, and stay focused on my long-term goals. Through this experience, I discovered resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in myself even when circumstances were difficult. These lessons will strongly influence how I teach and support my future students. I understand firsthand that many young people face challenges outside of the classroom that affect their learning. Because of my own journey, I will strive to meet my students with empathy, understanding, and encouragement. I want to be the kind of teacher who reminds students that setbacks do not define them, and that with support and determination, they can reach their goals. What drives me to become a high school teacher is my passion for helping students realize their potential during a pivotal time in their lives. High school is when students begin making choices that shape their future, and I want to be a positive influence in that process. Teaching gives me the opportunity to combine my love for learning with my desire to inspire resilience and confidence in others. My hope is to show my students that no matter what challenges they face, they are capable of building a bright future for themselves—just as I have learned to do in my own life.
    Marjorie Moriole Early Childhood Education Scholarship
    I motivated to make a different in children live is because I been a teacher for 20+ years and enjoyed what I do. When teaching my children i love how they learn from and get so happy when they accomplished something. I want to teach my children many lessons about lifestyles and why it’s important to know everything around us. I also make sure I bring my body and mind to my children everyday with for Focus on learning. I enjoy motivated my children to learn different things it’s important to me that know new things everyday. I love seeing myself learn new things each everyday. My goal is to go back to school to become a better teacher for my students. The reason I’m going to back to school is because i will love to be a public school teacher and with the amount i get paid I am looking opportunities to go get scholarships to help me fulfill my dream. It’s haven’t been easy. I have try so many time to go back but never had the opportunities to pay for the classes because I didn’t have the money. So my dream for me to go back to school so i can better myself into my dream. I know I’m 43 but age is just a number and i know i can do it. When you are ready you are ready and i am ready. I hope i win his scholarship so i can fill full my dream to become the teacher I can be. Right be a a per-school teacher is my passion but i will love to become a kindergarten teacher that’s always be my dream. With my skills and knowledge I know will be amazing and know with the extra skills and knowledge i will be able to make different in my career. I always dream about being able to work with kindergartners and show my how much I love teaching them everything i know about all the things I have learned each day for they past 20+ its my passions and i will love to teach upper level kindergartners because with my skills I know i will be great. Hopefully this scholarship will support me in dream my dream to becoming a professional teacher and get degrees in teaching. I am very passionate and looking forward to see what going back to school will bring at the end.
    Sandy Jenkins Excellence in Early Childhood Education Scholarship
    The love and care you show children today will shape how they treat others for the rest of their lives. Supporting strong, healthy families. In early childhood, our work is not just with young children, but with the whole family. I want to better my education to become a better teacher and looking forward to going back to school. My passion has always to become a teacher and love every moment of it. I love what I do with students and how they learn from me from everyday experiences. I love learning from my students as much as learn from my everyday from that new this I teach it’s my passion each and day to see how my students learn from me. I other passion is when my students learned something they get so excited and smile. So the reason I want to go back to school is so I can get a better education in my teaching career because I love what I do. I been a teacher for 20+ years and every minute of and love how my students learn from me everyday. I love how my student family say you are doing amazing job with child and I can see the different in my child everyday. My passion is to always make everyone happy and always make them smile. Now it’s my time to better myself into something I love the most and that is bettering myself into going back to school and learning something new and bettering my career. I know I can do I just need a little help though this Journey that I am willing to do. When I was wrong school wasn’t easy for me it was very difficult and frustrating at times I just wanted to give up but as I grow older I realize that I can do it because I’m a woman who can do anything to help her be better. So my goal is to go back to school and make sure I don’t give up and stay on top and keep my mind open for a new opportunity to better myself each day. I love what I do as a teacher but I know I can do better with a more experienced skill to going back school. So my goal is this year is to go back to school and stay positive and just remember I can do it.