Everyone deserves a teacher like Regina Reed

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Article Launched: 5/07/2006 12:00 AM


Among teachers, Reed's extra special

BY ANGIE VALENCIA-MARTINEZ, Staff Writer
LA Daily News

Since 1980, Regina Reed has taught in the Simi Valley Unified School District, serving hundreds of special-needs children with behavioral, emotional or learning handicaps.

"Special-needs children don't learn things as quickly as typical kids," said the Garden Grove Elementary School teacher. "It takes longer to see results, but when you do, it makes your day."

Becky Wetzel, the district's director of elementary education, who began her career as a special-ed teacher, described Reed as a dedicated and passionate leader.

"She feels very strongly about making sure that students in her class meet every goal they can possibly meet and overcome every challenge they can possibly overcome," Wetzel said. "She's also an advocate for special-education teachers and students and has provided support to other teachers and leadership at her school."

The district has more than 100 special-education teachers serving nearly 1,000 students.

"You have to be a person that is willing to take your success in small dozes," Wetzel said. "People don't go into special education thinking they'll see big growth or changes. You take great satisfaction in the growth you see in students every day. That's what makes special-education teachers special: They have to wait a long time for their rewards."

At a time when school districts across the nation face a shortage of special-ed teachers, Reed, 39, said she would like more educators to take on the high-stress job, which requires individualized attention.

"It can be challenging every day, but I find it extremely rewarding," she said. "I've always had a natural affinity, just an acceptance of special-needs kids."

The Simi Valley woman - who is married with two children and is working on her master's degree at California State University, Channel Islands - teaches a dozen first- and second-grade students who suffer from moderate to severe disabilities, including physical disabilities, autism, mental retardation and speech impairments.

In February, she received a 2005 Lew Roth Award presented by the Simi Valley Education Foundation for excellence in teaching, the first award given for special education.

"The award goes to someone who goes above and beyond what is expected of a teacher," said Cindy Jacoby, the foundation's executive director. "Teachers are overworked and underpaid. They're the ones shaping the minds of our future adults. They need to be more appreciated."

Reed also works with new instructors, teaching them the ropes of the program.

"Teachers look up to her," said Arleigh Kidd, an educator turned teachers union leader. "Besides being a good classroom teacher, she works to make the whole school better. She looks out for everybody."