Professor Harold Bloom’s statement, *“The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence,”* speaks to the heart of education—helping students discover their identity, abilities, and confidence in their own potential. For special education students, this means creating an environment where they feel valued, understood, and empowered. To experience a sense of presence is to recognize one’s worth, to believe in one’s abilities, and to know that one’s voice matters. As a future educator, my mission is to guide students—especially those with unique learning needs—to this realization by fostering independence, self-advocacy, and a belief in their own strengths.
Many students with disabilities face challenges that can make them doubt their capabilities. Whether struggling with communication, cognitive barriers, or physical limitations, these students often feel unseen or unheard in traditional educational settings. My role as a special education teacher is to ensure that each student experiences the fullness of their presence by recognizing their unique learning styles, providing individualized support, and celebrating their progress. I want my students to understand that their abilities define them far more than their disabilities ever could.
I will accomplish this by creating an inclusive classroom that emphasizes patience, encouragement, and tailored instruction. Through positive reinforcement, adaptive teaching strategies, and strong relationships, I will help students develop confidence in their skills. A student who struggles with verbal communication, for instance, may find their voice through assistive technology, while another who has difficulty with social interactions may gain confidence through structured peer activities. The goal is always to ensure that each child feels seen, valued, and capable of growth.
A Fairy Tale of Presence and Empowerment
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Everbright, there was a young teacher named Seraphina, known for her kind heart and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. Everbright was a land where children were gifted with special abilities, but some struggled to unlock their own magic. Many felt invisible, unheard, and uncertain of their place in the world.
One day, Seraphina learned of a hidden garden—the Garden of Presence—where children could discover their true strengths. However, a powerful mist of doubt and fear had covered the garden, making it impossible for the children to see their own light. Determined to help them, Seraphina set off on a journey.
She gathered the children, one by one, and gave them enchanted tools designed for their unique gifts: a golden quill for the child who loved to write but feared speaking, a shimmering mirror for the child who doubted their self-worth, and a musical chime for the child who struggled to express emotions. Together, they stepped into the mist, where whispers of doubt tried to turn them back.
With patience, Seraphina reminded each child of their strengths, guiding them to use their tools. The writer found confidence in their words, the self-doubting child saw their true brilliance in the mirror, and the quiet musician let their melody rise above the mist. One by one, the children’s lights grew brighter, and the mist began to fade.
By the time they reached the heart of the garden, the land of Everbright had transformed. The children no longer needed the enchanted tools, for they had discovered something greater—their own presence, their worth, and their ability to shine despite challenges.
And so, Seraphina continued her work, knowing that every child, no matter their struggles, had a light within them waiting to be seen.
### Conclusion
Like Seraphina, I want to guide my students to recognize their strengths and embrace their sense of presence. Special education is about more than just teaching—it’s about uplifting, empowering, and helping each child find their unique place in the world. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, I hope to bring my students closer to realizing their full potential, ensuring they leave my classroom not just with knowledge, but with confidence in who they are.