Hayley Parker

I think I attribute my success to genuinely believing in the potential of the students I serve. I want students with disabilities to be seen for what they can do, not defined by what others assume they can't do. I've always believed in pushing beyond expectations and finding a way, even when something initially seems impossible. Sometimes progress looks different than we expected, and sometimes it takes a hundred different approaches before we find the one that works—but we keep trying. I also want the future educators I mentor to carry that same mindset into their own classrooms. If I can help another teacher learn to see possibilities instead of limitations, that impact reaches far beyond the students in my own classroom. Ultimately, I think my success comes from believing in people, working hard, staying resilient, and never being afraid to challenge what others may think is possible.

The best career advice I've received is to never become so focused on the plan that you forget the purpose.

Especially in special education, you can walk into the classroom with the perfect lesson, the perfect schedule, and everything planned out—and then quickly realize that your students need something completely different from you that day. I've learned that being a great educator isn't about everything going according to plan. It's about being flexible, meeting people where they are, and being willing to change your approach when something isn't working. That advice has carried over into my life outside the classroom too. You can have a plan for where you think your career or your life is going, but sometimes the unexpected opportunities and detours are where you grow the most.

Don't underestimate your influence. Just because you're not standing on a big stage doesn't mean the impact you're making isn't important. Some of the most meaningful leadership happens in quieter places—in classrooms, in homes, and throughout our communities. If you're working to make someone's life better, you're making an impact. And sometimes that starts with something as simple as choosing to be kind every single day. That's something we talk about often in special education. We remind our students—and each other—that kindness matters. You don't have to change the entire world all at once. If you can make someone's world a little better, that's significant. So I would tell young women entering this field: never underestimate the influence you already have. Use it well, lead with kindness, and remember that the small things you do every day can become the things that matter most.

One of the biggest challenges in special education right now is making sure educators have the time, resources, training, and support to truly individualize instruction. Our students have incredibly diverse needs, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to special education. At the same time, I think we're in a really exciting period because technology is creating opportunities that simply didn't exist before. AAC and assistive technology are giving students new ways to communicate and participate, and emerging tools like AI have the potential to help teachers create more individualized and accessible learning experiences. For me, the opportunity is figuring out how we use those tools thoughtfully without losing the human connection that is so important in special education. Technology should never replace the teacher—it should give us more ways to reach our students and help them show us what they're capable of.

Kindness is definitely at the heart of everything I do. Just because someone looks different, communicates differently, or learns differently doesn't mean they are any less capable or deserving. It simply means we may need to provide different opportunities for them to communicate, make choices, build independence, and be included in their community. I also really value hard work, resilience, loyalty, and love. There are days in special education that are incredibly hard, for both the students and the adults supporting them. On those days, sometimes I have to remind myself: you know what, I just love these kids. Let's just love them for a minute. I think when you lead with kindness and genuinely care about the people you're serving, everything else can build from there.