1) Tell us who you are. What are your interests (academic and non)? Anything else worth sharing?
Hi, I am Tara Gates. I am really looking forward to taking Critical Perspectives. This will be my third graduate class in the Masters of Education/Higher Education track. I am very proud to be a Villanova student. I was extremely nervous beginning this degree, I have been out of the college setting for several years, like twenty-two! I have been a special education teacher for nineteen years. I have taught everything from emotional support in a high school setting to life skills in a primary setting. I took five years off to be at home with my children, Ava and Wyatt, who are twenty months apart. My husband Greg often works long hours as a small business owner, so I am currently teaching at the same school my children attend. The convenience is amazing; however, our schedule is absolute chaos! I love meeting new people and facing new challenges. I am very interested in working in higher education in the future. I love spending time on the water and I enjoy cooking.
2) If you’re in the workforce, where are you currently employed? If you’re not, what program are you enrolled in and what are you studying?
I am currently a math specialist at a Catholic school in Wilmington, Delaware. I teach small groups of students who are struggling with the math curriculum. I teach 3rd through 6th graders. I also teach a section of 6th grade Language Arts. It is a crazy combination, but it works. I also serve on the school’s IST program and work in an emotional support capacity.
3) What does the term disability mean to you? What is your experience with disabilities prior to taking this course?
I don’t really like the word disability. Maybe ability challenged might be a bit better. Everyone has areas they struggle with in life. Maybe interest has more to do with intellect than we really know. I think it is a word devised to describe a perceived lack of a person’s capabilities to access life, learning, or place due to barriers put in place by others.
I have had many experiences with disabilities prior to this class. As a high school student, I was a volunteer for my local Special Olympics and a student aide for the special education classes in my high school. In college, I was a full-time employee with an organization working in a group home setting with adult residents with various types of disabilities. I have taught in every disability category class in public school.
4) Why are you taking Critical Perspectives, and what do you hope to gain from this class?
I hope to gain a fresh perspective on special education and current issues facing disabilities today. I look forward to learning more about current trends and how to have real conversations surrounding students with disabilities. As I mentioned earlier, I would like to transition into the field of higher education and working with college students with disabilities.
Bonus
Tara's Perspective 