Our Favorite SPED Professor: Katelyn Zirkus

Katelyn J. Zirkus Ph. D:

She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Educational Specialties, Program Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and an alumnus of Northern Arizona University. Prior to her appointment at NAU, Dr. Zirkus received her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her areas of teaching and research lie in the field of severe disabilities, with a specific focus on behavior, transition, self-determination, families, person-centered planning, and quality of life for those students who interface with multiple systems/agencies (i.e., foster care, criminal/juvenile justice, and special education).

Dr. Zirkus has shared some tips, experience, and advice for you all.

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Experience:

During my time at NAU, I had the opportunity to be apart of Praxis. Ten years later, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that choosing the Praxis program was one of the best choices I made in terms of practicum. While it was time-intensive and demanded an authentic commitment to the "real-world" of teaching, the experience was unmatched. I experienced the "in's and out's" of a school community that in turn more than prepared me for my first year of teaching.

Tips:

• See as many types of placements (i.e., resource, self-contained, general education, etc.) AND grade levels as you can!

• Similarly, log as many hours as you can in a classroom working with kids even if it's not in a practicum placement. In other words..."Get your face in the place" 😊 Pre-service teachers (you guys) who have ample opportunities to work with students and frequent performance feedback are better prepared for the realities of the field.

Favorite thing about practicum:

My favorite thing about Praxis would have to be the "pack mentality" that was created among my peers, professors, students, teachers, and school staff members. Simply put, the support system you have around you throughout the practicum experience (and well into your first year of teaching) creates a sense of comfort in knowing that "we're all in this together!"

Advice:

• Pack a lunch complete with LOTS of snacks.

• Wear comfortable clothes/shoes.

• Visit the school before your first day of practicum.

  • Walk the halls, find out where the teacher's lounge is, bathrooms, your cooperating teacher's classroom, etc.

  • Introduce yourself to the principal.

  • Most importantly, make sure the secretary knows who you are!

P.S. This advice also goes for your first year of teaching

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RCA Kenzie and I would like to give a very big thank you to Dr. Zirkus for helping us out. We greatly appreciate it.