Ali DeVeny, a special education teacher, shares her journey and passion for teaching in a recent interview. Reflecting on her childhood in the 1980s, DeVeny describes how special education was then perceived as a place rather than a service. "When I was a kid in the 1980’s Special Education was a place, not a service. In my case, it was a place near the boiler room," she recalls. Despite facing challenges such as having a learning disability and being deaf in one ear, DeVeny knew from second grade that she wanted to become a teacher. "I wanted everyone to feel special," she says.
DeVeny likens special education to the color purple due to its association with royalty and its historical difficulty to produce. She explains, "Imagine that — it was hard to make but it was considered the most beautiful color." This analogy reflects her belief that while learning can be challenging for some students, the end result is rewarding.
When asked which song represents special education for her, DeVeny simply responds with enthusiasm: "! It has a great rhythm. It’s a classic."
Looking ahead, DeVeny expresses her commitment to lifelong teaching and learning. "I don’t think any true teacher is able to retire," she states. For her, teaching is more than just a profession; it's her purpose or "dharma." She humorously notes that special education involves significant paperwork but remains passionate about continuing her work indefinitely.
In summary, Ali DeVeny's dedication to special education is evident through her reflections on past experiences and aspirations for the future.