Q & A with:
Belinda Karge
Why do you teach?
Knowledge is golden; no one can ever take away your education. I teach and train teachers of children with disabilities because I believe all children can learn. I believe it is my responsibility to really get to know the individual and discover the strategy, technique or support system that will help them learn.
Who motivates you?
There is nothing better than seeing a child with a learning disabililty look up at you with a golden smile a mile wide and say "I did it, I learned!"
How would you describe your teaching style?
I have been fortunate to be recognized as Educator of the Year by the International Council of Learning Disabilities (1999) and I am the Learning Disabilities Association of California's 2004 Educator of the Year. I have been nominated this year (2005) for the International Learning Disabilities Association Educator of the Year. In the two current awards, I did not know about my nomination until the award was publicly announced. In both announcements I recall the information stating "Dr. Karge is a highly motivational, energetic, passionate educator..." This describes my teaching style. I take time to listen to the student needs and mold my instruction to those needs. I use research-based teaching methods to enhance my instructional delivery.
When did you decide to teach?
In my senior year at UCLA, my friends were all applying for a grant-sponsored program, DDIP. This stands for Developmental Disability Imersion Program. I applied blindly. The first week felt like a fish out of water and thought I should quit. I called my mom and she suggested I stay two weeks and then decide. I was connected with an amazing teacher at Lanterman State Hospital; she worked with children with the most significant disabilities. She had such a passion, it was contagious!
What makes you remain at Cal State Fullerton?
I have been chairperson of the Department of Special Education at CSU Fullerton for 10 years. I enjoy working in a supportive, collaborative department. I am empowered by the opportunities to work with so many local school districts and to share my teaching knowledge base. I am encouraged to also share this expertise worldwide. I am an associate member of the United States Office of Overseas Schools special education advisory committee and frequently go to American Embassies and speak to parents and staffs of overseas schools about strategies for working with children with learning disabilities.
Belinda D. Karge
Chair and professor, Special Education
Interview: David Pagni » |
