Christina Ferreira has known she wanted to teach in a special services classroom for as long as she can remember.

“I always knew I wanted to teach at this level,” Ferreira said. “Seeing kids overcome difficulties, challenging and engaging them and reaching them.”

Ferreira lives in West Gardiner, and is new this year in the Wiscasset school system. She previously taught in the Norway, Maine special education department with grades 4-6, but wanted to work closer to home.

She works half the day with the students at the primary school, and the other half of the day at Wiscasset Middle School. She especially enjoys her classroom at the middle school, as it overlooks the water.

“My favorite part of teaching special ed is when a kid makes a connection, you can see in their eyes that they get it, they understand,” Ferreira said.

“Today (Nov. 24), a student made an incredible connection. He matched a theme to a story and it was a wonderful moment. I think I embarrassed him because I told him he should be teaching and made him stand up and take a bow. He was blushing bright red but it was worth celebrating.”

Ferreira uses lots of different techniques in teaching her students, including games such as “addition Yahtzee” and hands-on learning.

“Kids get more engaged in games, they buy into it and see the relevance. They can grasp the concept easier,” Ferreira said.

Ferreira also works to ensure her special ed students understand the concepts behind what they are learning, so they don't fall into the “read-and-regurgitate” learning model where they know a fact, but not why it matters.

“I don't want them just to know the answer, but also to know why it's the answer. I want them to feel challenged while learning.”

A Massachusetts native, Ferreira went to college at Westfield State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in special education. She is currently working on her master's degree.

For the first few weeks of the school year, Ferreira was out on maternity leave. She is excited to be back at work and eager for the families and kids to get to know her.

“The teachers have all gone out of their way to help out. It's a very positive work environment,” Ferreira said.