In our latest edition of Parallel Behind the Scenes, we had the pleasure of interviewing Libbie Pettigrew, a seasoned Special Education teacher with 20 years of experience. Read more about Libbie's inspiring journey as she shares her insights on the challenges and joys of being a virtual Special Education teacher at Parallel Learning.

Q: How long have you been a Special Education teacher?

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A: I have worked for 20 years as a special education teacher.

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Q: What drew you to Special Education as a career?

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A: As a teenager I was asked to babysit for a neighboring family who had a son with autism. Families with children with special needs often struggle to find childcare and babysitters. The word got out that I would sit for families who had children with special needs. That was my summer job from the time I was 14 until I was 18 and then I  started working for an in-home healthcare agency as a CAPP worker. In college,I considered several careers that would allow me to work with special populations and ultimately went into Special Education.

Q: What is the best thing about your work?

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A: The best thing about my work are the connections and support I can provide for the student that extends and contributes to the wellbeing of the whole family.

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Q: What is the hardest thing?

A: The most positive challenges come with finding the missing piece of the puzzle to further student performance. The most frustrating challenge is simply managing all the tech features, but it's really not that big of a deal.

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Q: How do you find being a virtual Special Education teacher? Advantages? Disadvantages?

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A: Teaching under the virtual model allows me to access a number of student needs that I otherwise would not have if I was teaching in a traditional classroom in the area where I live. This furthers my experience and teaching practices.

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Q: What was your absolute biggest challenge before joining Parallel (i.e. in your previous role)?

A: My biggest challenge prior to coming to Parallel were those common to Special Education Teachers working in traditional school settings. The physical wear and tear after 20 years combined with the lack of planning time and the constant feeling of being behind with case management was exhausting.

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Q: What changed after joining?

A: Since coming to Parallel I have renewed energy for my career and am able to focus on my direct teaching practice everyday.

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Q:  How do you find your Parallel team?

A: I love working for Parallel. My current cohort has a running Google chat where we communicate and bounce ideas on a daily basis.

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Q: What would you say to somebody on the fence about joining Parallel?

A: Anyone on the fence about joining? Go ahead and try it. If you decide it isn't exactly for you, then at the very least you have a great resume builder in the virtual teaching world. But I think you will like it!

Q: Can you share a story that made you smile?

A: A story that made me smile? I love my virtual interactions with my current students. I strive to make our sessions together as positive as possible. I would say we all smile a lot!

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Q: What has been your favorite thing about working at Parallel?

A: I cannot choose just one favorite thing about Parallel! Contracting with Parallel has allowed me to further my teaching career in a cutting-edge educational model. I like being a part of what is “up and coming" in the field of special education. It has allowed me to capitalize on my teaching strengths and areas of special interest such as working with students with social/emotional needs.

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‍Q: What is the last book you read?

‍A: The last book I read was All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

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Q: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

A: I spend my off-work time with my family and we enjoy traveling. We are seafarers as we travel most by cruise ship.