A Lifelong Passion for Teaching and Inclusion
Isabella M. always knew she wanted to be a teacher—but it wasn’t until she began volunteering as a teenager that she understood what that calling truly meant. Between the ages of 14 and 18, she spent more than 2,000 hours supporting athletes with multiple disabilities through a cheer abilities team. It was during that time that she realized children and adults with disabilities often communicate in different ways, a discovery that changed how she approached learning and connection.
Motivated to better support the athletes she worked with, Isabella began taking courses in American Sign Language (ASL) and applying what she learned directly to her volunteer work. ASL quickly became an essential part of how she communicated.
That experience didn’t just shape her perspective; it clarified her purpose.
“Special education has been my passion since I was 14,” Isabella says. “I will do anything to grow my education in this field.”
Turning Passion Into Purpose Through Graduate Study
Isabella now teaches students with multiple disabilities at Bunker Hill Middle School, where she creates individualized learning experiences and collaborates closely with educators, therapists, and families to help every child thrive.
Her teaching is grounded in belief and adaptability—using a variety of approaches, including ASL, to meet students where they are.
“Every single child has the ability to learn and be challenged,” she says. “It’s my job to teach using a variety of styles so each student can succeed.”
That commitment to reaching every learner drives Isabella to continually reflect on her practice. It’s also what led her back to Rowan to pursue her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education and Inclusive Practices.
“Pursuing my master’s has allowed me to deepen my understanding and strengthen my skills as a teacher of students with multiple disabilities.”
Why She Chose an Online Master’s in Special Education
As a full-time special education teacher, Isabella wanted to continue her studies without stepping away from her students.
“I chose an online graduate program because it gives me the flexibility to balance my teaching responsibilities with continuing my education,” she explains. “My days are very busy as a special education teacher, so being able to complete my coursework on my own schedule allows me to stay fully engaged with my students while continuing to grow in my profession.”
For Isabella, that blend of professional growth and personal balance has made all the difference.
Why Rowan University’s Online M.A. in Special Education Felt Like Home
Having earned her bachelor’s degree here, Isabella knew she wanted to return to a university with deep roots in teacher education. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1923, Rowan University has spent a century preparing innovative, compassionate educators.
Today, it stands among the fastest-growing public research institutions in the Northeast and the top 10 nationwide, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Almanac. That long-standing reputation—and a program designed for working teachers—made it an easy choice.
Online Special Ed Learning That Translates Directly to the Classroom
What Isabella learns each week in Rowan’s online master’s program translates immediately into her classroom.
“This program has already helped me deepen my understanding of special education and inclusive practices,” she says. “I can apply what I’m learning right away, which strengthens my ability to meet my students’ unique needs.”
That real-world connection is built into the curriculum. Students like Isabella complete field-based assignments in their own classrooms—making the program ideal for full-time teachers who want to grow without pausing their careers.
From developing multi-tiered supports to strengthening communication strategies, Isabella sees the impact of her coursework every day in her students’ progress.
Looking Ahead: Growing as an Educator and Leader in Special Ed
As Isabella looks ahead, she’s thinking not only about her current students, but about the broader impact she hopes to make in the field.
“My long-term professional goal is to continue growing as a teacher of students with multiple disabilities and eventually teach at the college level,” she says. “This master’s program is giving me the confidence and knowledge to take those next steps.”
She’s already seeing the results in her students’ progress—academically, socially, and emotionally—and in her own sense of purpose as an educator.
Isabella’s Advice for Future Special Education Teachers
For educators thinking about when—and whether—to take the next step in their education, Isabella’s advice is simple and grounded in experience.
“Do it as soon as you’re ready,” Isabella says. “I took a year off after I graduated before I pursued this program. I was able to complete the mentoring process for my first year of teaching before beginning my master’s program. I feel that taking that break allowed me to have experience from my first year of teaching and prepared me to begin learning again.”
She adds that online learning is not an isolated experience—it’s a connected, supportive one.
“My experience has been very positive and rewarding,” Isabella says. “Even though it’s online, you’re still part of a community of educators who share your goals and passions.”
About Rowan’s Online Master of Arts in Special Education and Inclusive Practices
Rowan University’s online M.A. in Special Education and Inclusive Practices prepares new and continuing teachers to strengthen their practice and better support diverse learners across inclusive settings.
Through the program, you’ll learn to:
- Advocate for and implement multi-tiered systems of support
- Address the educational, psychological, and sociological needs of learners with disabilities
- Apply inclusive, strengths-based teaching strategies in today’s diverse classrooms
With multiple tracks—including Graduate Endorsement, Learning Disabilities and Early Childhood Special Education—educators can customize their learning path to match their professional goals. Designed for working teachers, the program combines flexibility, academic rigor, and a commitment to helping every learner succeed.
Sample courses in the program include:
- Special Education Policy, Advocacy and Teacher Leadership
- Communication Skills for Students with Disabilities
- Educational Assessment in Special Education
- Inquiry in Special Education Settings
- Implementing Positive Behavior Supports
- Technology for Students with Disabilities
Teachers in New Jersey may apply to the program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®).
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Teaching Journey?
Discover how Rowan’s online Master of Arts in Special Education and Inclusive Practices can help you grow as a teacher and leader in inclusive education.
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Explore additional articles to learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s degree in education, potential career paths in special education, and how online graduate programs can support your growth as a teacher.
When you’re ready, start your application and take your next step with confidence—backed by one of New Jersey’s most trusted names in educator development.