Hi! I’m Christy, the face behind Exceptional Thinkers. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and my brand, Exceptional Thinkers.
What is the meaning behind “Exceptional Thinkers?”
I chose the name Exceptional Thinkers because, while it is a nod to special education, it does not necessarily imply a deficit, a problem, or even a disability.
The word “exceptional” simply means different from the norm. It can refer to students with special needs, but it can also mean brilliant and outstanding. I kind of love that ambiguity.
“So Christy, what have you taught?”
People ask me this question all the time and I always stumble on my answer. I envy those of you who can answer it with a few words.
The short answer is that I’ve taught everything from birth to college. I’ve taught in life skills programs and traditional academic programs. I spent a good portion of my career teaching in an autism program, but shifted around after relocating.
When I moved, I switched to a school for students with severe physical disabilities within that district but a little closer to my new home. That commute was still too long, so I transferred over to a new district and taught self- contained 4th grade in a general education school.
It was a huge change in pace going from a life skills curriculum to an academic program… But I loved it!
When I was promoted to the position of “Mommy,” I dropped down to part time teaching to spend more time with my family. I now have two busy boys, always eager to learn and explore! It brings me so much joy to still be teaching while also being available to my family.
I created my store, Exceptional Thinkers on Teachers Pay Teachers to provide resources to other special education teachers. I knew there were other teachers like me who could use the type of materials I had created. I love the idea of helping educators around the world! It’s been exciting and humbling to be able to do that.
Okay… So what do you teach, Christy?
Currently, I’m teaching toddlers with disabilities through an early intervention agency. But I also teach education courses at a local community college! What a range, right? It’s so much fun! I love my wacky schedule: working with toddlers one day and college students the next!
So what have I taught? A little of everything?
You see, having all this experience in such a broad scope of the field granted me the opportunity to teach at almost every level in a variety of subjects. How great is that? As a lifelong learner, this has been the best case scenario for me.
Every new assignment has motivated me to learn and grow in order to meet the needs of my students. I’ve gotten to sample and learn so many new teaching techniques for a variety of different disabilities.
So what does my resume look like, you ask? It’s totally wacky and it’s perfectly me.
