Teaching Special Needs Children in BelizeWhat type of job are you looking for? Special education, or general education, for any grade/age level. What nationality are you? American What languages do you speak (and at what level)? English with a modest grasp of Spanish. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I am seeking a position as either a special education or general education teacher in Belize. I have been interested in the country and its culture for some time. At this point in my life, I would like to make a substantial change in my life, and use my skills and knowledge to work with children in that country. I believe that this would be a two-way learning experience, as is most often the case, of course, but, in this instance, I would be learning much from both my students as well as their families. What countries have you worked in? I have worked soley in the United States, but have traveled extensively throughout the world. Years ago, I spent much time traveling around the Pacific, mainly Micronesia. While staying in Chuuk State, I spent some time on Nomwin Atoll. While there, i substituted for a teacher who was called away to the main island (Moen) for medical reasons. it was at this time that I first had an experience of teaching in another culture. More recently, while in Taiwan on a cultural visit through a Buddhist organization, I was offered the chance to teach English to teenage students. What countries do you have a visa to work in? None at this time. What field do you currently work in? I am in the education field, and am currently a special education teacher at a middle school in San Diego, California. What fields have you worked in before? For twenty years before becoming a teacher, I worked in the museum field. What qualifications do you hold? I hold two teaching credentials from the state of California: multiple-subject and special education (mild/moderate) Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? Actually, I feel that both skills - life skills - and a formal education are equally important. i ahve visited parts of the world where life skills were necessary for survival. In thode cases, skills trumped formal education, in my opinion. However, through a formal education one can become a better problem solver, and also thrust oneself to limitless levels of achievement. Describe the benefits of working with others I have always been something of a "team player." One person does not always have the only or best answers to situations or tasks at hand. As a special education teacher who carries a caseload of special needs students, I find myself working closely with other teachers and professionals in the field to better serve the needs of my students. Describe the benefits of working alone There is a certain immediacy when one works alone. One either stands or falls on the job one conducts on one's own. This can be a challenge, but with that challenge, one can also reap the rewards of having successfully performed. Also, in the case of working with students, there is much more of a bonding woth the students and their families when one is their only teacher. What was your worst working experience? Many years ago, as a student, I took a summer job working outside in the intense heat shoveling gravel and breathing dust. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Over the years, i have learned that the most important things are honesty and compassion. What unique skills do you have? My skills are, I feel, varied. I have studied art and have worked in creative fields for many years. In that regard, I am able to work with a fairly wide rannge of materials, including light construction. The skills that are required of teachers is an ongoing process of development. Although I number those skills among those I possess, I also realize that I will always be honing them. I also beileve that I work well with people, having had so many opportunities in so many places and situations to do so. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? I have jokingly told people that my ideal job would be, "A matress tester in a bed factory." However, as that one will never present itself, the next best thing would be a job in a small community where I could feel a part of that community and that I am really making something of an important difference there. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? In my present field of special education, there are constantly new developments to help us as teachers better serve the needs of our students. It certainly never gets boring, and it is very rewarding when students meet with successes, regardless of the size of that success. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? The volume of paperwork that is required is probably the least interesting part of my field. Can a teacher who is not young, as is my case, realistically seek a career in Belize? I hope that can be the case. I feel that my age is actually something of a plus, as I have had a lifetime of varied experiences that can come into play to help me help my students reach their full potential. How can potential employers contact you? (619) 294-9090; rglick@sandi.net | 
