Emora Essentials

I have worked with elementary school students in general education and volunteered in High School with students with moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities. I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Education Teaching Credential for students with extensive support needs from CSUN. I have taught students with special needs at the secondary level for thirty years.

I provide individualized instruction in small and whole groups. I use visuals, hands-on activities, movement breaks, and interactive turn-taking to engage students. Skills are broken down into smaller, manageable steps. I believe learning should be fun and connected to real life experiences, such as creating a recipe book, completing a book report, shopping at the store, and practicing respectful communication with peers. My teaching focuses on students' abilities and strengths, helping them advocate for themselves and participate meaningfully in school and community life.

One of my proudest moments was having district employees travel from other sites to observe our class participating in a Restorative Circles session. In 2018, I was the only special education teacher working with moderate to severe students at that training. Earning that certificate helped me teach proactive problem-solving, listening skills, and the sharing of interests and feelings in a supportive group setting. I also received training from Guitars in the Classroom, which provided several ukuleles and other musical instruments to enhance our classroom activities.

In addition to earning my teaching credentials and Master’s degree from Cal State Northridge, I completed classes at San Diego State and UC San Diego to mentor teachers in the Induction Program as they worked to clear their preliminary credentials. I also received CLAD training from the University of Phoenix to teach Specially Designed Academic Instruction and took courses in Effective Reading Instruction at the University of San Diego.

I enjoy sharing with students that I am a mother and wife. This helps them see me as a real person and encourages them to share their own family experiences and traditions.