Learning Curves
After applying for a 2 year internship in special education, Elisabeth Zamarelli, a teacher with several degrees, including a PhD which she earned at 60, has been turned down. She feels age has played a part in the decision making, in that the school district "may think I am ready to retire, which I am not." In this position she would have been able to learn more about what the district does for special education kids and be able to work with the parents more, especially on legal issues. As a mother of a handicapped adult, Betty felt she would be able to understand and serve her community and her district on Long Island, New York. Betty felt this hurt "but I have learned to become resilient and bounce back..." and this strength is one "which I try to project to my students as well."
Still learning, writing and developing programs which will help children with literacy, Zamarelli feels that challenges and disappointments keep her going; it gives her motivation and strength.
To challenge the stereotype and to reaffirm her own worth Betty started to compete in beauty pageants. It doesn't matter if she wins the crown "winning is sustaining myself with elegance and dignity, I can still do this...it's a drive to be alive and to show others you are still there."
Does the community loose out by not having her in this position?
Find out how she challenges others and also herself.
