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Connors' first book focuses on the struggles of a young boy transitioning from a mainstream classroom to a special education classroom.
“I felt like the story needed to be told,” Connors said. “I see children who, unfortunately, don’t accept the help that special education provides for them. They can’t get past the stigma of being identified as different.
"And because of that in, especially in middle school before they go into high school, if they are not nurtured or supported it causes a huge drop out rate that continues to grow.”
Connors has been teaching for 22 years, 20 of them in special education.
“The story came from working with my students and the struggles they go through socially and emotionally," Connors said.
Born and raised in New York City, she always wanted to help others, so she began as a regular teacher until the city school system needed more special education teachers.
“I was put in the program and I fell in love with it,” Connors said. “It wasn't something I was looking for but as soon as I realized I was responsible for a small group of kids and I could do so much for them academically and emotionally, it changed myself.”
She moved to Bergenfield with her husband, Matthew (also a teacher in the Bronx) and her son, Dean who is now 17. She transitioned to work at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck and has been there for 15 years.
This will be Connors' first time speaking in Teaneck.
“I think this topic is huge,” Connors said. “The one component of dealing with a child with social and emotional issues is extremely important and when it is addressed a child can flourish.”
MORE INFORMATION: Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, www.teaneck.org or 201-837-4171. Her book is available on amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com.
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