The classroom is alive with chatter and energy, but amid the noise comes the soft hum of conversation as Functional Academic Classroom (FAC) teacher Dr. Heidi MacPherson kneels beside a student, guiding them personally through tasks step by step.
Having been in the special education field for 22 years, Dr. MacPherson brings a wealth of experience, education and a deep passion for helping students succeed. As part of the FAC department, she aims to assist those who are academically two or more years behind.
“I enjoy working with the functional academic population because they’re a unique group of students, and it’s wonderful to see their different progress,” Dr. MacPherson said. “What I’ve discovered is students in the FAC settings tend to show growth like a roller coaster. There might be some regression, but then when there’s growth, there’s additional growth and it’s really fun working with this type of population.”
With a bachelor’s, two master’s, and a doctorate degree, Dr. MacPherson has undergone years of higher-level education that have shaped her into the teacher she is today. Her eagerness to apply knowledge in meaningful ways has made her a beacon in students’ lives. For Dr. MacPherson, while academic credentials laid the foundation, it was a pivotal experience outside the classroom that truly transformed her perspective on teaching.
“The turning point in my career was when I worked for a children’s psychiatric hospital for a year. I worked with students with horrific childhood experiences, and others had given up on them because they were in this particular institution,” Dr. MacPherson said. “[I learned a lot] from them, and despite the life they had been given, a lot of them were still very happy and found joy in life. That just really changed my perspective — that ‘I am here to make a difference, but I can now see what I bring to the table does have a positive impact and it can change students’ lives.’ From that experience, I noticed that my teaching and educational philosophies changed dramatically.”
Although special education teachers face many challenges, Dr. MacPherson sees each new classroom as an opportunity to change lives. With the use of her teaching techniques paired with her compassionate nature, Dr. MacPherson hopes to convince students to put their faith in her.
“Being a special education teacher comes with an unwritten set of struggles, mainly because not only am I a practitioner and an educator to my students, I also have to be their advocate,” Dr. MacPherson said. “Having to advocate to ensure that my students get what they need — whether it’s making sure their accommodations are being met or providing assistance in a general education setting.”
This school year, Dr. MacPherson is prepared to help her students grow into the best versions of themselves, ensuring each student overcomes challenges and builds confidence in their abilities. Fostering an environment filled with perseverance has been Dr. MacPherson’s goal since day one, and ensuring holistic readiness propels her love for teaching.
“Besides making sure they meet their individualized educational goals, I want to find different ways in which to help them [grow] as productive members of society, as well as socially and academically,” Dr. MacPherson said.
