Sasha Odom

In 2010, I became a mother to a beautiful little girl that has Down Syndrome. I was very emotional and terrified because everything that I ever dreamed of being able to do with my daughter was torn away from me. Little did I know that was not the case. During her elementary years, my daughter had a Special Education Teacher and a Para that made a world of difference in her life. They encouraged her to do her best, be involved with her peers, taught life skills, and assimilated to general education. They made such a difference with her that I wanted to have the same opportunity to do that with someone elses child. I began subbing in the classrooms at my childrens schools almost everyday. In 2020, the Para that helped her retired and a door opened for me to have that opportunity to help someone elses child. I began my career as a Para in 2020 and loved every minute of it. I built relationships with these students, supported them with educational growth, and showed them they were loved. I decided that I wanted more though. I wanted my own students to make a difference in. I went back to school to receive my Bachelors Degree. In 2022, I got the call I had dreamed about. I waas offered a job teaching Mild to Severe Special Education. This is currently my second year as a teacher to these students. I have taught them life skills to help them in the future, how to read and write, math strategies, but most of all that they are valued and loved. I encourage them everyday to do their best. I am currently working on learning some sign language and visuals to communicate with all of my students. I am excited to be furthuring my career by taking Professional Development Courses.