Special Education Teacher, Mrs. Melissa Glancy, Builds Her Student’s Confidence and Encourages Growth

Mrs. Melissa Glancy began her teaching career as a substitute teacher for school districts local to Washington, PA after graduating from Clarion University with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education. With PA teaching certifications in Elementary K-6 and Special Education N-12, Mrs. Glancy taught a variety of students during her long-term substitute teaching experience and at a charter school thereafter. 

Now, as a Special Education teacher for 9-11th graders at PA Distance, Mrs. Glancy appreciates a virtual environment after having experienced similar setups in a previous role teaching virtual summer camps. 

“I love the setup at PA Distance because it’s organized the same as any other school but everything is done virtually,” she said. 

Growing up, Mrs. Glancy became interested in being a teacher at a young age. Specifically, leaning towards special education after witnessing her sister struggle in a special education program. 

“I knew that I wanted to help students like my sister when I was older,” she said. 

Before arriving at PA Distance, Mrs. Glancy worked in an emotional support position and often worked with students who benefited from making connections and building strong relationships. 

“It was so heartwarming to know that kids really trusted me and cherished our interactions,” she said.

Now, with a caseload of about 20 students, Mrs. Glancy spends her days assisting students with class assignments in resource rooms, writing IEPs, holding IEP meetings, and monitoring her student’s overall academic progress. She also holds one-on-one check-in sessions to discuss pending work that they need to complete.  

Mrs. Glancy explains that her favorite part about teaching special education is the connections she makes with her students and helping them succeed. 

“Resource rooms are my favorite because I can interact with students more,” she said. “I also love one-on-one sessions.”

“When you get to see the “ah-ha” moment when they finally understand something, it’s really great.,” she explained. “The more that I’ve worked in special education the more I enjoy it.”

In addition to her daily resource rooms, one-on-one sessions, and progress monitoring, Mrs. Glancy also joins in her student’s live classes with their regular education teachers to help monitor their learning. She listens attentively to the lessons to better understand what they are learning and how to help later in their one-on-one help sessions. 

However, above all else, Mrs. Glancy is always looking for ways to build up her student’s confidence and help them look forward to their futures. 

“I like to remind my students that just because they have a disability doesn’t mean they can’t do things and be successful,” she explained. “I often teach them about famous and successful people, in the past and present, with disabilities and that overcame them.”