Blog

We asked Westview teachers questions about what keeps them growing, how they define success, and what they learn from students each day. Their answers reflect the heart of Westview classrooms.

What is one thing you love most about teaching at Westview?
One of my favorite parts of teaching here is the relationships and trust we build with students and families. Students are encouraged to be exactly who they are while being supported, challenged, and celebrated for their growth. The support from our team and families makes our work incredibly meaningful.

What motivates you to keep growing as a teacher?
What motivates me most is my students. Their daily progress inspires me to keep learning how to support them in every way possible. Some days can be challenging, but even small progress is meaningful. I strive to meet every student where they are, reflecting on my practice, trying new strategies, and staying open to changes to better support them. As my students grow each day, I grow and learn alongside them.

How do you measure success in the classroom?
I know a student is having a successful day when they feel safe. Success isn’t about completing all academic work; it’s about social growth. When students become more independent, use their words to communicate, resolve conflicts, and interact appropriately with peers and teachers, that feels like a successful day to me. Each student has different needs, so I measure success by the progress they make individually.

What motivates you to keep growing as a teacher?
Being both a parent of a child with autism and an educator of a neurodiverse population means this work is deeply personal to me. I know what it feels like to sit on the other side of the table, hoping your child will be understood, supported, and believed in. That experience drives me every day to grow, to learn, and to do better for my students and their families.

What is one thing you love most about teaching at Westview?
What I love most about Westview is that students are truly seen here. They aren’t defined by their challenges. They’re valued for their strengths, personalities, and potential. As a parent, that gives me peace of mind. As a teacher, it gives me purpose. It feels like a place where kids are safe to be themselves.

What motivates you to keep growing as a teacher?
The small moments of progress keep me going. When I see a student grasp a new concept or become comfortable enough to engage more fully, that is incredibly rewarding. Those moments push me to reflect on my teaching, try new approaches, and think creatively so I can create even more of them in the future. As my students grow, I want to grow right alongside them to help them reach their full potential.

What is something you’ve learned from your students this year?
My students have taught me that communication can take many forms, and paying close attention to those moments has helped me understand them better and build stronger connections.

How do you measure success in the classroom?
I measure success by the growth and little victories I see over time. When a student transitions between two activities easily for the first time, something that was very difficult at the beginning of the year, that feels like a truly successful day.

What is one thing you love most about teaching at Westview?
I love teaching at Westview for many reasons, but what stands out most to me is our small class sizes, which allow us to connect with and support each student on an individual level. The small class sizes also allow us to build strong connections and meaningful relationships with parents.

What is something you’ve learned from your students this year?
This year, my students have reminded me to celebrate progress in all forms. They’ve taught me to slow down, notice small successes, and recognize that growth can be seen in communication, behavior, confidence, and independence, not just academics.

What motivates you to keep growing as a teacher?
What motivates me most is remembering who I’m working for. If I can be a better teacher, it’s for the benefit of the children I teach and their future quality of life. Knowing my efforts make a difference keeps me striving to grow every day.

What is one thing you love most about teaching at Westview?
I love working with our students, all of whom are so special in very positive ways. While some may focus on challenges or shortcomings, I see how much they shine and the ways they are better than the rest of us.

What is something you’ve learned from your students this year?
Interestingly, this year I’ve learned that even kids can get tired of “six-seven!”