If you’re considering a career in the special education field, you may be faced with a number of career opportunities in a variety of settings. Why should you consider a special education career at Watson? Keep reading to learn more about our organization and why career advancement is an integral part of Watson’s culture!
The Watson Institute operates a number of special education programs for children 3 to 21 including Approved Private Schools, a Private Licensed School, a Partial Hospitalization Program, and a fully integrated preschool program. Each program serves a unique population of students ranging from Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurological impairments, and mental and behavioral health challenges.
Whether you know for sure where your interests lie or you’re still exploring the field, there’s a place for you at Watson. At the Watson Institute, employees are encouraged to explore their professional interests and continue learning.
Employee Career Advancement
When asked about her personal experience with career advancement at Watson, Amanda Bernsdorff, a Program Supervisor at Friendship Academy, explained that throughout her tenure, she has not only worked in two school programs, but also in differing roles within the programs.
Amanda started at the Watson Institute as a substitute at our Sharpsburg location, moving into a Classroom Aide position in the LEAP Preschool program. At the time, she was a single mom working to support her family. This position gave her the support she needed financially, but also enabled her to learn more about LEAP and the Watson Institute.
While at LEAP Preschool, Amanda became a full-time teacher and earned her Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology, an educational technique that empowers students to use technology for communication and learning. After seven years at LEAP Preschool, Amanda pursued an opportunity outside of Watson, but returned just two years later to rejoin the organization at Friendship Academy, an Approved Private School and Partial Hospitalization Program for students with mental and behavioral health needs.
Since returning to Watson in 2019, Amanda’s role at Friendship has progressed from a Middle School Teacher, to opening the Kindergarten classrooms, and now serving as a Program Supervisor after obtaining a second Master’s Degree in Leadership and Supervision.
“Watson has been behind me 100% through the growth of my career and supported the decisions I made to further myself professionally.” shared Amanda.
Watson Career Advancement & Professional Development
Watson is dedicated to helping our employees broaden and enhance their skills and we recognize the important role that professional development and educational opportunities play in career advancement. Employees who feel supported can provide the highest quality educational support to children with special needs.
Our programs not only offer a variety of professional development opportunities such as trainings in industry’s latest techniques, and time off to attend industry and job-related conferences, but we also offer tuition reimbursement for full-time employees.
A number of positions in special education require advanced degrees, which can pose a financial challenge for some. At the Watson Institute, tuition reimbursement helps cover a portion of the educational costs of pursuing advanced certification.
Are you ready to start your special education career at Watson? Learn more about our open positions and apply today!