Teacher Interview: Dr. Kathleen Gant

Special education teacher Dr. Kathleen Gant, a DLC Teacher Cohort member, has been able to continue serving her students with disabilities well during this especially challenging year.

Students receiving special education services have a variety of unique learning needs. “Most of my students are considered high incidence - they’re the kiddos that we see most frequently. They’re the kids that will have ADHD or will have some type of dyslexia or trouble writing or trouble with computation. But the largest population of my kids are kids who have trouble reading, and that’s what you see most frequently.” Dr. Gant explained.

Dr. Gant, who has spent almost 21 years in the profession, is one of 12 teachers participating in our Nashville Special Education Teacher Cohort this year. Through monthly meetings with other special education teachers, and personal support from experienced coaches on the DLC staff, Dr.  Gant reports having grown as an educator. “I feel like I am better at my craft because I joined it, and I’ve been teaching for a long time,” she commented.

Because special education teachers are often the only ones, or one of just a few special educators in their building, the DLC Teacher Cohorts serve as a place for development as well as support. Teachers not only learn best practices from the DLC staff and each other, they also can generate solutions to challenges together.

“I know that I can always come away with a new idea or something new to try because you are with other people in the same situation. Maybe they’ve already tried a tech tool that I haven’t heard about. It’s just the power of collaboration,” Dr. Gant added. 

Are you a teacher of diverse learners who is looking to develop your skills as a teacher or leader? This spring, the DLC will be launching several opportunities to grow alongside others in similar roles as you. Sign up for our newsletter to get connected to these opportunities!