Pushing Through Adversity: Teaching with a Disability
About the Author: Megan Elizabeth is a teacher living with a rare form of dwarfism called Metatrophic Dysplasia. Rather than being deterred to go into the teaching world because of her disability, it mad her determined to give back for all the amazing teachers she had. Now she teaches not only her students about empowerment and acceptance, but also everyone who follows her awesome instagram. To learn more about Megan's journey you can check it out here!
I never thought that I would be a teacher. Growing up, I had amazing teachers that worked with me and made sure that I got where I needed to be, but I hated school. That was due to all of the surgeries I had to have during the school year. After these surgeries, I was behind everyone else, and I would eventually be put in the special education system. I fought hard to get out and the teacher I was placed with said “I never thought you could do it”. Well once college came along I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going. Thank goodness for county college! I learned so much about myself there. I learned that I was a teacher. I learned that the reason I wanted to become a teacher was to give back. So many people have made me who I am today that I needed to give back.
Having a disability and working in the education world isn’t easy. I was told many times that maybe I needed to pick a different career. However, it only took one professor to believe in me at my 4 year university to give me the courage to pursue it anyway. Dr. White always gave me solid advice and continues to do so. She made me realize that if I can’t advocate for myself, how am I going to be able to do it for others? She had a great point.
I wasn’t always accepted in every classroom, but that was okay. I would let the students ask me questions and we would just move on. The students get protective over me and also stand up for me. I had a bad experience in a school district where the administration always had something negative to say about me. They were not up to code with the ADA but I was bullied by the administration and didn’t feel I could speak up and change things. I would come home everyday and cry, and I am not known for crying at all. I then got a call that I was let go and was picked up by another district. It was truly a blessing in disguise.
My new district welcomed me with open arms and no questions asked! I was so happy! I finally get to show these students that they can do anything they want. I tell them all the time, if you take anything away from me please let it be that you will never give up. I would have given up on myself a long time ago if it weren’t for the special teachers in my life! I think it is very important to be in the education world because not only am I teaching the kids but I am also teaching them about acceptance and many other lessons. I couldn’t think of any other job that I would love to do everyday!