Lompoc Vision: New school year, new students, new possibilities

by Christina Rizzo, special education teacher, Aya Education

Fresh haircuts, sharp pencils and new backpacks. Three clear signs that school is back in session. As a traveling special education teacher with Aya Education, I go where I’m needed most, and this year I’ll be supporting teenagers in high school. I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed, and thanks to my incredible recruiter, Alexis, I’m ecstatic about being back for a third year in Lompoc.

This year will be transformational for me; I just know it. I’m moving from supporting five- and six-year-olds in elementary school with their fine-tune motor skills to working with high school students, helping them reach their fullest potential. The steadfast support I provide will help prepare them for life beyond high school. Whether they choose to enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, pursue vocational training or continue their education in college, they’ll be ready.

While parent involvement is paramount for a student to be successful, the students I’ll be working with will also play a central role in owning their IEPs. They will have a voice in shaping their goals, outcomes and expectations, and will be empowered to take an active role in their own educational journey. Like parenting (I’m an empty nester), the older my students get, the more independence they’ll gain and the less they’ll need me. And that’s fine. That’s the goal. I’m just honored to be part of their journey.

Additionally, this school year, I’ve been asked to assist English learners by co-teaching an English class, which I gladly accepted. Aside from English, there are 14 other languages primarily spoken in the homes of Lompoc families: Spanish, Mixteco, Hmong, Arabic, Filipino, Vietnamese, Zapotco, Mandarin, Bengali, Loa, Japanese, Thai, Italian and French. Studies have shown that bilingual English learners exhibit greater mental flexibility, higher problem-solving skills and strong executive functioning. I’m proud to join the team of educators and provide English learners with quality instruction, support, guidance and direction they need to ensure their academic success.

When I’m not in the classroom, I plan on doing more exploring and experiencing all that the Central Coast and Lompoc have to offer. Here’s to another rewarding year in Lompoc and all the possibilities that come with a career as a traveling special education teacher!

Read the September edition of the Lompoc Vision here.