I was very pleased to read the recent article by Vikki Ortiz Healy regarding teacher shortages for students who are visually impaired. I am recently retired after 42 years teaching in a Chicago Public Schools resource room of students with visual challenges. I am proud of the career I chose many years ago and most proud of the many students who came through my door. They remain in the countless stories I will tell anyone who will listen. My students grew and learned alongside their sighted peers; the benefits to both sides were (and are) limitless.
Children with visual challenges are just that: children. When given the education, materials, opportunities and personnel they deserve, the future is theirs. Some used Braille, some used large print, some used technology, but they all learned and succeeded. Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University have wonderful teacher training programs, and I have mentored several student teachers from both schools. I have worked with many amazing colleagues who remain close to me.
I encourage anyone who is considering teaching as a profession to consider this population. The motto in my classroom was “celebrate.” Celebrate challenges, celebrate differences and celebrate successes. Every child deserves to be celebrated.
— Gloria Moyer, Skokie
