“I think the desire to teach special education often comes from a place of understanding, and I think it’s truly one of the most fulfilling things I could ever do in my lifetime.”
-Hazel Robin-Lerner
Class of 2023, Two Rivers Alum Hazel, could have never imagined that she would ever step back into the halls of Two Rivers, not as a student, but as a mentee, special education intern, and future special educator. A current junior at The School Without Walls, Hazel interns twice a week in the Two Rivers Middle School Bridge Room. She observes students and learns best practices in special education.
Where it all started
Hazel’s love for teaching and mentoring began early in her adolescence. While volunteering at her local Sunday school, she taught children about the importance of their Jewish faith, which sparked her interest in education. However, it was not until 9th grade that her appreciation for special education grew after being paired with a child who had a form of mutism. “I understand them,” she shares. Working with that one child for two years was a reminder that she, too, had once struggled with her own hurdles. Through her experiences, Hazel gained insight into how children with special accommodations view the world, furthering her mission to make every environment she influences safe and inclusive.
This early motivation eventually turned into real-life experience. Hazel’s ongoing relationship with the staff at Two Rivers allowed her to secure an internship under the direction of special educator and lead teacher of the Two Rivers Middle School Bridge Room, Ms.Maggie.
Two Rivers Impact
Returning to Two Rivers reinforced her values of understanding and continuous learning. Like many students, her middle school experience was impacted by the height of COVID-19. In 6th grade, learning consisted of virtual instruction; therefore, her middle school career did not fully begin until 7th grade. However, Hazel was proactive in her educational journey, as well as extracurricular activities, by joining the debate team in 7th grade. She praises Two Rivers Middle School for helping her expand her horizons and educational opportunities.
Lessons, Celebrating Wins
It is no secret that tense moments can arise in the classroom; however, strategic classroom management is what steers the impact.
Throughout Hazel’s internship, she learned a very important lesson: redirection. “Not every student responds the same way to a teacher raising their voice; some students need push-back, kindness, or a joke,” she explains.
Hazel credits a large part of her journey to Ms. Maggie. She shared, “Ms.Maggie is very honest about special education; it is not going to be easy, as there can be some tense moments in the classroom, but she showed me how to push through. Celebrating wins, both big and small, such as student improvements and empowering students to find their voice, is what makes working in special education so worth it.
Equally important, her opportunity to engage in practical situations reinforced the certainty that she will one day become a special educator. She recounts a special moment during Hispanic Heritage Month where she led a small group in making banners. At the time, she was unaware that this moment marked another step towards advancing her leadership skills and defined her vision of how to lead other students, as she would in a teaching role.
What’s next for Hazel?
After completing this internship, Hazel hopes to obtain a full-time summer school teaching role while preparing for senior year and the college application process. With hopes of double-majoring in education and psychology, Hazel’s long-term career goal is to work in special education at the elementary level. She is also open to pursuing a career as a school psychologist, with a focus on social-emotional learning.
Hazel’s love and passion for education strengthen her commitment not only to being a future educator whose foundation is rooted in meaningful impact, but also to providing a supportive and empowering space.
~Isa Walker, Communications Associate
