From Clinic to Classroom: A Special Education Success Story
Meet Steven Pellettiere, a behavioral interventionist working in a top school district in Arizona. Steven’s job involves supporting students with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum. As a behavioral interventionist, he helps these students develop the skills they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.
Discovering His Skill Set
Steven’s journey to working in special education began during his undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University, where he majored in psychological sciences and minored in social work. He always knew that he wanted to help people, and he soon realized that he could use his keen observation skills in a professional setting. It was through doing research on psychology fields that Steven landed his first job in the field of behavioral therapy in a clinical setting.
Finding a Home with Epic Special Education Staffing
After working at a clinic for pre-K kids on the autistic spectrum, Steven found his way to Epic Special Education Staffing. For Steven, working with students with special needs is more than just a job: it’s a calling. What he loves most about his job is that he gets to see the progress his students make every day, and he knows that even small wins can make a big difference in a student’s life.
“I continue to do it because it helps bring meaning to life for those who may lack the necessary skills or resources to succeed on their own,” he said. “Being able to provide students with the tools to achieve success is a great purpose, and no one can take that away from you.”
The school district where Steven works now is close to where he grew up, and he often passes his childhood home on his way to school. For Steven, it feels like a full-circle moment. However, not all of his colleagues were initially receptive to his presence. As the only person from an agency like Epic Special Education Staffing, Steven soon demonstrated the company’s vision of putting skillful and knowledgeable people in classroom settings. In a field where many aides are hired with minimal experience, Steven quickly became an asset to the school.
Feeling Valued and Supported
What Steven appreciates most about his job is that he is heard and valued by his school. Even though he is a contracted employee, he still feels in the loop and supported by his team at Epic. His Epic Recruiter and Relationship Manager always have his back whenever he faces a problem, and he never fails to feel listened to and supported by them.
Working in a general education setting has its challenges. It’s not a controlled environment like a clinic, and the other teachers may not be as familiar with the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Steven’s strong sense of support from his Epic team helps him to overcome obstacles like this, giving him the freedom to fulfill his purpose and calling.
“Dealing with behavior and the spectrum requires extraordinary patience,” Steven said. “It’s a grind to develop those intrinsic things, and no matter what, you have to be patient. It’s especially gratifying when my students consider me a part of their family rather than just another adult in their day-to-day lives.”
A Day in the Life of a Behavioral Interventionist
Steven’s daily routine may seem tiring to some, but it’s a labor of love for him. He starts his day early, around 5:15 am, and heads to school to prepare for the day. He meets his student at 7:40 am and starts their lessons. His student may get pulled throughout the day for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other resources. Steven takes advantage of recess time to give his student more freedom and work on social interactions with peers. He only steps in when his student needs help or when he needs to give them tools to succeed.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the progress my students make,” Steven told us. “Even the small things, like being able to open a milk carton or write their name legibly, make a big difference.”
Every day, Steven witnesses the transformation of his students. He celebrates the smallest of victories and is there to guide them through their challenges. To him, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow, learn, and develop new skills. It’s a true joy to be part of their journey, and Steven is grateful for the opportunity to positively impact their lives. Steven’s work has a far-reaching impact that extends well beyond the classroom. His dedication and passion have made him an invaluable asset to his students and the education community as a whole.
The Power of Feeling Valued and Supported
Working for a company like Epic Special Education Staffing has been a game-changer in Steven’s career. The support and recognition he has received for his skills and experience have allowed him to grow and develop as a professional.
The company’s vision aligns with Steven’s beliefs about hiring skilled and experienced professionals who are passionate about helping children with special needs. Epic Special Education Staffing recognizes the importance of compensating their employees for their skillsets and experience, which is one way Steven feels reinforced in his work.
“I feel supported by people in my corner who respect and value me, and because of that, I know my worth,” Steven said. “Because Epic believes in me, I know I’m capable of great things.”
This level of support and recognition has allowed Steven to feel empowered and motivated to continue making a difference. Steven’s passion for helping children with autism, coupled with the support and recognition he has received from Epic Special Education Staffing, has enabled him to make a significant impact in his students’ lives.
In the end, Steven’s story is a testament to the power of recognizing and valuing the skills and experience of special education professionals. With the right support and recognition, they can help children with special needs achieve their full potential and succeed in the classroom and beyond.
