What Type of Person Thrives in the Special Education Industry, According to an Ohio State Special Education Professor
Success in this field requires self-motivation, ambition, and resilience in the face of frequent rejection—"rejection happens a lot"—coupled with innovative thinking and a critical eye to evaluate information's validity and potential for replication. The ability to adapt to evolving technologies and view challenges as opportunities for growth is also crucial.
Resilience, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Self-Motivation, Adaptability
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Carly Blustein Gilson
Associate Professor of Special Education
The Ohio State University
University of Florida, 2010
Boston College, M.Ed. in Secondary English Education (g. 2011); Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in Special Education (g. 2017)
Creative Writing, Journalism
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Self-motivation and ambition are crucial, as rejection is common in the field.
2. Comfort with rejection and the ability to view setbacks as opportunities for growth are important.
3. Innovative thinking, openness to new ideas, and a critical approach to information are vital skills for success in this field.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
You have to be very self-motivated and ambitious, someone who is not deterred by rejection because rejection happens a lot. It happens with manuscript submissions, or going up for an evaluation or an award. You're going to get rejected, so being comfortable with that and knowing that it's just part of the process really helps.
I also think it's someone who is an innovative thinker, someone who is open to new ideas and seeing the world differently than how it previously has been. They adapt to ever-changing times and expanding technology.
Rather than seeing these as drawbacks or barriers, you should see them as opportunities to propel research, change how students learn, and improve how people with disabilities can live. Regardless of the field you're in, you need to be able to look at something and consume it with a sense of criticism.
Ask yourself, is this valid? Can I replicate this? It's not about reading everything at face value, but also asking questions to probe deeper. This ensures that what's being shared is based on science and will be helpful for people.