Robert Florio
Special Education Teacher
High Tech Early College
Denver, CO USA
“You should always shoot for something that's a little higher than what's realistic.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRobert Florio
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Joined the Air Force after high school.
When he came home, he worked in a group home that helps kids transition in or out of juvenile detention.
Realized that he loved working with kids; says he had "more in common with them than he'd like to admit."
He wanted to get into teaching so that he could get into kids' heads early on and tell them that they can change their situation.
Says that if you don't have some doubts about what you're doing, you might not be pushing yourself enough.
Admits that there are 12- or 13-hour nights where he starts to think, "Is there something else out there for me?"
The little things-like the one kid who tells him "thank you"-remind him of his passion, keep him working at it.
Acknowledges that there are probably some bad teachers out there; believes that if you don't have a passion for the kids, you should find another job.
Education
High School
Career
Special Education Teacher
I try to decrease the achievement gap by providing special education services, and teaching reading intervention.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. I also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities. I do a lot of assessing students’ skills to determine what their needs might be and how to give them the best education.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
You don't have to know what you are doing right away. That's okay. Take the things you know you like and brainstorm ways you can transform those into a career.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I'm not sure if I want to go to school. "
Challenges I Overcame
Drugs / Addiction
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
The Road to TEACH
Teaching takes many forms
