By: Daneshia L. Wilder

 I am a Middle School Special Education Teacher at 21 st Century Charter School.  Our school is located in Gary, IN. We are just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.  I am a graduate of Purdue University and I majored in Organizational Leadership in undergrad.  I am currently seeking my Master’s in Education with a Specialization in Special Education.

 I am the mother of a beautiful little four (4) year old named Arie!!  He is my pride and joy. I enjoy spending as much time with as I possibly can!

 I love to write poetry and some of my most favorite poems are from when I was a kid.  I also have a love for music and I have collected over 300 albums. I love all types of music from different genres.  I enjoy playing with my son, we went to the park almost everyday in the summer and being with him brings me much joy everyday!

 I look forward to having a clear understanding of how to oversee and maintain the implementation of change in my school organization.  Learning how to assess the interventions that have been put into practice in my classroom and in my school organization.  Continuing to learn collaboration and partnership techniques with those involved in action research.

 My Action Research Proposal area of focus is to assist those special education students that have displayed emotional and behavioral challenges inside of the classroom integrate back into the general population with few to no physical and/or verbal altercations. Through the use of the following interventions.  First, Post and discuss classroom rules, as a means to establish locus of control and classroom culture.  Second, Introduce a lesson using simple and clear teaching techniques and activities. This will provide support to the struggling student and cause less disruption in the classroom.

 My experience of leadership is in my persistence in my classroom as well as toward a Master’s of Arts Degree in Special Education. I desire to improve my teaching skills inside my classroom and also the learning outcomes of students with learning disabilities in which I service.  I am passionate about improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and as a leader in my special education classroom I am gaining the tools I will need to give support to those students through advocacy, and community involvement.  My goal is to be eligible to gain special education licensure, to broaden my career horizons, and peruse an administrative role in my district.

I look forward to being a part of this class. My nickname is “Dee” and feel free to address me as such!! Daneshia L. Wilder Special Education Teacher 21 st Century Charter School