Aspiring teacher credits GTCC for helping her on path toward special education

"My main goal was to get out of college debt-free, and I thought the smartest and best financial choice for me was to go to a community college at first to get my general education requirements done,” Rosie Langendorfer says.

Recent Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) grad, Rose Langendorfer, from the teacher preparation program is set on making a significant impact in the field of special education. Her journey through GTCC was motivated by a desire to minimize college debt and strategically prepare for a seamless transfer to a four-year university.

"My main goal was to get out of college debt-free, and I thought the smartest and best financial choice for me was to go to a community college at first to get my general education requirements done,” said Langendorfer.

“I also wanted to get more information about transferring,"Langendorfer said. Although she considered other community colleges closer to where she lives, she’d heard good things about GTCC and chose to enroll in the college’s teacher preparation program instead.

Langendorfer's aspiration to become a teacher began in seventh grade when she started peer helping in a special education classroom.

"It was for a zero-credit class, but ever since I started being around the special ed students, I fell in love with it. Ever since then, it was my dream to be a teacher," said Langendorfer.

Her passion for special education is rooted in her admiration for her students' willingness to learn and their warm personalities. Langendorfer believes that patience is one of the most important qualities of an effective special education teacher.

"You’ve got to be willing to work with them in any aspect of what they need, be it physical, mental, or helping to fine-tune motor skills," she said. Establishing trust with students and their families is also crucial, as the students cannot grow if they are not in a place where they feel safe and heard.

Langendorfer credits GTCC for preparing her for her future career. After she graduated from GTCC, she transferred to UNCG to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She noted that her transfer experience was smooth, thanks to helpful advisors at both institutions.

"This past semester at UNCG, we had a class where I had already learned everything at GTCC. I was so prepared," she said.

Looking ahead, Langendorfer plans to work in Guilford County Schools after graduating. She aims to teach kindergarten or first grade before moving into special education. Ultimately, she hopes to earn her master’s degree and possibly become a school principal.

Langendorfer is already thinking about how to best make a positive impact on her future students. She emphasized the importance of tracking their progress and using data to ensure the students are growing year after year.

"Having a data sheet for them and keeping track of them helps me know that they are going to meet their IEP (individualized education program) goals," Langendorfer said.

Though she is excited for her career, Langendorfer acknowledges that communication among educators and parents is a significant challenge in education today. She believes that GTCC prepared her well for these challenges through real-life experiences and internships.

"I’ve interned in one special ed classroom, and I loved it. It felt like real life, and I felt confident in pursuing this career," she said. “I don’t think anyone could ever change my mind about it. I just love to be around [the students].”

Her advice to current students in the teacher preparation program is to gather as much information as possible during their college years.

"Most of what you’re learning in the classes at GTCC will lead into the classes you take when you transfer,” she said. “Having that information stuck in your head is essential because you’ll have to know it forever.”

Langendorfer also encourages future educators to ensure they are truly passionate about teaching.

"Education is going to be a tough career, but so are most careers,” Langendorfer said. “If you love kids, education is the right thing for you. Don’t let anyone discourage you from doing what you want.”

Reflecting on her own journey so far, Langendorfer feels fulfilled knowing she will make a difference in her students' lives.

“My main goal, once I become an educator, is to have students remember and recognize me as a positive figure in their lives," she said.