My name is Susan Haight and I currently teach special education K-3 at Innovation Academy.  I also serve as the Special Education Facilitator.  I have 30 years of experience working in education, with 23 of those years as a teacher.  I began my teaching career in Oregon and then moved to Arizona in 2002 for teaching opportunities in the Phoenix area, and later found my way to Amphi.  I have worked with both general and special education students in a variety of settings, including preschool and K-6 grade levels. 

DEFINING MOMENT

I did not initially set out with a career goal of being a teacher, but it was more that teaching found me.  I believe parents are a child's first educator, and I gained my initial experience with volunteering in my own children's classrooms, and outside extracurricular activities.  In addition, I managed a childcare business, and later worked as a teaching assistant.  I realized I was already teaching.  With encouragement from others, I entered my formal educational journey.

EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS

I believe every child has their own unique personality and learning style.  I love to help children find the tools they will need to satisfy their curiosity and be successful.  

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

*Special Education Teaching Assistant/ Elementary Teacher K-6- Oregon City School SD

*Special Education K-5 full inclusion program- Buckeye Elementary SD

*Special Education Preschool Teacher (Contracted by STARS)- Pendergast and Washington Elementary SD Phoenix

*Special Education Preschool Teacher-Amphitheater SD

***Currently pursuing additional reading coursework in partnership with Amphi and the AZ Department of Education.