Blogging 101

My name is Erin McGloin.  I am originally from Long Island but I currently live in Newport, Rhode Island.  I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Mild/Moderate Special Education from Salve Regina University.  Afterwards, I moved back home and worked at a pre-school for the summer, realized how miserable I was and decided to move back to Rhode Island that September.  With absolutely no money and student loans that could make anyone cry, I realized I needed to score a job sooner than later.  I applied to a position in Newport to be a teacher in the Life Skills program - miraculously became hired at age 22 in a job where I had to work cohesively with paraprofessional twice my age, disgruntled parents, and students with significant needs.  I really did not know what I was getting myself into.  However, I FELL IN LOVE.  It felt like I found my calling in life.  I started attending classes at the Sherlock Center and met two professors who changed the way I think about inclusion, Dr. Tony Antosh and Dr. Sue Dell - two amazing, intelligent people who opened my mind and gave me the confidence to improve the lives students with severe to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, I am finishing my third year of teaching at Thompson Middle School.  After this semester, I have one class left to take in the Fall and I will graduate with my Masters in Severe Intellectual Disabilities in December.  I also coach the girls volleyball team at Rogers High School in Newport and the girls basketball team at Thompson.  I played volleyball in college and continue to play in adult leagues and beach tournaments.  In my free time I love going to the beach, listening to music, drinking and going out to eat with friends.