“My teaching journey began when I volunteered at Camp Smile at 16. I had no ties or experience to the community, but it sounded fun, and I decided to try it,” shared Meagan Luse. “That decision changed my life. I was immediately hooked and knew I was meant to serve the special needs community.”
Mrs. Luse graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Studies and a Master’s in Elementary Special Education. This is her eighth year teaching and she will move to Special Education Pre-K at Griggs Elementary.
“I was blessed that I found my passion for working with individuals with different abilities as a teenager volunteering at Camp Smile, where I just spent my 17th summer,” celebrated Mrs. Luse.
As for her teaching style, Mrs. Luse describes herself as laid back. She prefers to take things day by day and not allow stress to dictate how she interacts with the kids. She believes that a good balance of knowing how to both love her students and push them to their potential is important.
“Every child is so different and that means every year you have new situations and personalities,” Mrs. Luse said. “My students have taught me how to go with the flow and be resilient. I constantly remind myself that they are just little humans figuring out how to navigate the world, and learning is hard!”
There are so many things Mrs. Luse loves about being a teacher, but the most rewarding is the little magic moments she has the opportunity to witness every day. She has the privilege to see so many “firsts” and watch kids grow, learn, and build connections.
“Most times, when a child is diagnosed with special needs, the parents hear what to expect their child not to accomplish. I love that I get to witness so many milestones that they do accomplish,” Mrs. Luse shared. “I hope that I pass along memories that my students can hold on to. That they remember how loved they are and how much fun they had in my classroom.”
Meagan and her husband Zach Luse just tied the knot in June 2024. They have three fur babies and they enjoy living life to the fullest – including beach days and hiking, followed by a good nap. Meagan also teaches cheer for Dance Without Limits in Mobile.
