5 Strategies That Have Helped Me Succeed as a Teacher with Cerebral Palsy
When people learn that I’m a teacher, they’re often surprised.
Not because I’m passionate about education, but because I have cerebral palsy.
Some wonder how I manage a classroom while using a motorized wheelchair. Others wonder if my speech makes teaching difficult. The truth is, teaching with cerebral palsy comes with challenges, but it has also become one of the greatest joys of my life.
For the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students with disabilities, many of whom have autism or other developmental differences. Every day, I hope they see something beyond my wheelchair. I hope they see possibility.
I want them to realize that a disability doesn’t have to define their future.
Do I worry about making mistakes? Absolutely.
I want to be as independent as possible. I want my speech to be clear. I want to stay organized, keep up with the fast pace of the school day, and do the best job I can for my students. Some days that pressure is stressful.
But it’s also what gives my work purpose.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few strategies that have helped me become a successful educator.
1. Use Technology to Work Smarter
Technology has become one of my greatest teaching tools.
I rely on my iPhone, digital resources, and adapted lesson plans to help me teach as independently as possible. Rather than focusing on what I can’t do, I look for creative ways to accomplish the same goal.
Technology doesn’t replace good teaching—it allows me to teach at my best.
2. Surround Yourself with People Who Believe in You
No one succeeds alone.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside administrators, teachers, aides, and staff members who truly see me. They recognize both my strengths and the areas where I may need assistance, and they never make me feel like less because of my disability.
That kind of support makes an enormous difference.
Every educator deserves colleagues who believe in them.
3. Focus on Students, Not Your Disability
There were times early in my career when I worried about how people viewed me.
Would they notice my speech?
Would they focus on my wheelchair?
Eventually, I realized something important.
When I focus on my students, they focus on learning.
The classroom stops being about my disability and starts being about relationships, growth, and learning together.
4. Discover Your Strengths
Every teacher has unique gifts.
Mine isn’t running around the classroom or writing quickly on a whiteboard.
My strengths are building relationships with students, creating engaging lesson plans, finding creative solutions, and making sure every student feels valued.
My students know I genuinely care about them.
I believe that’s one of the most important qualities any teacher can have.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Teaching is exhausting for anyone.
Teaching while managing cerebral palsy can be even more physically demanding.
I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
My version of self-care isn’t elaborate.
It’s prayer.
It’s reading.
It’s exercising when I can.
It’s enjoying a good cup of coffee.
And honestly, it’s looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday mornings after a busy week at school.
Those simple moments help me recharge so I can give my students my very best.
More Than a Teacher
People occasionally tell me that I’m an inspiration.
To be honest, I’ve never been completely comfortable hearing that.
I’m simply living my life and doing a job that I love.
But if my students leave my classroom believing they can accomplish more than they once thought possible, then maybe that’s enough.
I hope they remember that disabilities don’t determine dreams.
Hard work, perseverance, kindness, and believing in yourself matter far more.
Teaching has given me far more than I’ve ever given my students.
It’s reminded me every day that our greatest limitations are often the ones others place on us—and the ones we place on ourselves.
I may teach from a wheelchair, but my goal has always been the same as every great educator: to help students believe in themselves and discover everything they’re capable of becoming.
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