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used to refer to these students changed over the years from “mentally retarded” to “handicapped” to “mentally and physically
challenged” to “exceptional education.” I was always blessed by their presence and their comprehension, no matter how small. A

blink, a little head movement acknowledging joy, or a little smile to say thank you meant so much to me. Although many of them

could not speak, their eyes spoke loudly. These students were the teachers, and I was the learner. Their parents were the administrators
because they often gave me instructions on how to better teach their child. I received the strength, wisdom, motivation, and

determination to always give my very best! I learned to never underestimate a student’s ability to achieve. I was thrilled to be voted as

Teacher of the Year at Rosenwald in 1987.