Meet the Special Ed Teacher Celebrating Her Students' Little Victories

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Michelle Berber is a high school special education teacher at Manteca High School in Manteca, CA. She specializes in students with moderate to severe disabilities, focusing on teaching life skills and independence in the classroom. Berber shares glimpses of her life on TikTok, which includes her experiences as a teacher, as well as what it's like to be a DACA recipient. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
I began subbing after I got my bachelor's. I subbed in a special ed class once and I loved it! Seeing the bond that the teachers had with their students motivated me to get my own classroom and build relationships with my students. I work for the school district that I attended growing up, so it was very easy to feel like I was already at home.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the progress my kids make every day and celebrating the little things. I have created a strong bond with all my students, and my heart has been filled with so much love since becoming a teacher.

What's your morning routine on a school day?
I wake up at 6 a.m., eat some breakfast, pick out an outfit, and do my hair and makeup.

How do you practice self-care?
I go to yoga and Pilates a couple of times a week. I also make sure I'm eating good food and taking time to myself.

What are you watching?
"Modern Family" always!

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
Honestly, pure luck! We have to constantly remind our students to cover their sneezes.

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.