We are thrilled to share highlights about our team this year. These talented individuals are eager to contribute to our school community and play a meaningful role in supporting our students’ growth. Please take a moment to learn more about a few of them below.
Lily Yang
Accomplishments:
One of my biggest accomplishments at Yinghua has been seeing the strong growth of one of my students in reading and writing. Over time, I’ve been able to watch her improve in all areas. Her interest in reading and writing skills have grown immensely. It has been wonderful to see her growth and her increasing confidence in her learning.
An interesting fact about you:
One interesting fact about me is that I began my career in special education as a paraprofessional in 2018. In 2020, I decided to return to school to become a special education teacher. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with many wonderful students and educators.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud to be part of such a hardworking, dedicated, and supportive team at Yinghua. Our team genuinely cares for one another and for our students, striving to help them reach their full potential. I feel fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are committed to collaborating and making a meaningful impact on our students’ lives and educational experiences.
Why did you become a special education teacher or want to work in Special Education?
I began my career as a paraprofessional. I decided to return to school to become a teacher to strengthen my skills and continue supporting students who can thrive when given the right supports, strategies, and the right people in their lives.
What interests you the most about special education?
The most special aspect of special education is the people you get to meet and work with. I have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who have experience using different strategies and approaches, which can be especially helpful when working with students. As a case manager, I get to see a student’s strengths and challenges firsthand, which allows me to determine the supports and strategies that will help them succeed through the unique Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Elaine Sadoff
Accomplishments
I received special education services in early childhood and elementary school and I was fortunate to attend a school district that structured its special education programming based on inclusive practices and mainstreaming. I can have meaningful connections with other students with different needs and disabilities. I can relate to my students and understand why they might feel a little bit different from other students.
An interesting fact about you:
I enjoy traveling and exploring new parks in the Twin Cities. I am interested in visiting National Parks and monuments
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my students and how much they have accomplished so far this school year
Why did you become a special education teacher or want to work in Special Education?
After working a few years as a substitute teacher, I realized I could make a bigger impact in special education. I went back to college to get my special education teaching license. This turned out to be a great decision. I discovered that I enjoyed the more individualized and collaborative approach we take in our work, and I appreciate the connections with students and families. I have been fortunate to work with some students over multiple school years, and it is rewarding to see the progress they make in that time. I always tell my students that if they demonstrate a positive attitude and work hard, they can succeed and do well in whatever they aspire to do after leaving Yinghua.
What interests you the most about special education?
I enjoy learning about reading interventions for students with reading-based learning disabilities, assistive technology, and inclusive practices in the general education setting. I also enjoy mentoring new special education teachers at Yinghua and outside of the school community.
Meijie Goudy
Accomplishments: I have been a speech-language pathologist for 16 years, including 12 years at Yinghua Academy. During that time, I’ve supported students with diverse communication needs and helped them grow in their communication skills.
An interesting fact about you: I work part time at Yinghua and part time at Irondale High School. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, mentoring First Lego League robotics, and traveling with my family.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the progress my students have made over the years. Watching them perform confidently during Chinese New Year and Academic Performances, using the speaking skills they’ve developed in speech therapy, warms my heart.
Why did you want to work in Special Education? Working in special education allows me to help students access learning in ways that best fit their learning styles and needs.
What interests you the most about special education? I enjoy collaborating with families to help support their children’s educational needs. Working at Yinghua as a bilingual speech pathologist is especially meaningful, as it allows me to use my language skills to help students grow and succeed in both languages.
