A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Megan Monahan

Megan Monahan loves her job as a special education teacher, but her journey to teaching wasn’t easy.

Monahan was born and raised in Portage, where a difficult speech impediment got in the way of her early academic life. She lacked confidence because of it, but as Monahan would soon learn, all it takes is one adult to believe in a troubled student to help them bloom. Her elementary school teacher, Mrs. Connie King, was that person.

“She was the first teacher who really believed in me. She really poured into me and gave me confidence,” said Monahan.

The confidence that King poured into Monahan continues to stick with her, and it would play a pivotal role in her deciding to take up teaching. Before that, Monahan would work in health services. The job itself was dull and monotonous.

“I didn’t find it as fulfilling or rewarding; I knew I wanted to do something more,” Monahan said.

Monahan decided on a career change. She had peer tutoring experience in high school and still remembered the positive impact that King had left her, so the choice was clear – she would become an elementary teacher.

Monahan’s teaching career started off rocky. There was a shortage of teachers at the time of her studies, so she worked without her full qualification; an emergency permit would have to do. Monahan was starting a new career at a new place without even having the proper teaching license, and an inevitable wave of insecurity and imposter syndrome came crashing down on her because of it.

“In my first year of teaching, I just kind of kept to myself,” Monahan said.

These early struggles and anxieties forged Monahan into a stronger teacher and wiser person, reminding her of a vital life lesson that she made sure to pass on to her students: it’s okay to make mistakes.

Experience is a word that’s definition is often reduced to “time spent in one’s field.” This fails to take into account what fills that time. Monahan, like anyone, made her fair share of mistakes early on in her career, but through her mistakes came knowledge – with that knowledge came confidence. After eight years in the field, Monahan has become an incredible special education teacher who looks to pass this lesson down to her students.

“Mistakes are a part of my learning path. Give yourself grace, and just be flexible with whatever comes your way,” Monahan said.

Monahan hasn’t stopped at just teaching; she’s a part of multiple organizations committed to doing good within her community, such as Best Buddies, where she plans events within her school to support children with developmental disabilities

Their most recent event, “Caught in Kindness,” rewarded the kids at South Haven Elementary School with raffle tickets for being kind. Another event, Disability Awareness Spirit Week,  educated children on numerous disabilities, some of which could be found in their classmates. Monahan works hard to build up compassion amongst all of South Haven Elementary’s students.

Monahan has led a powerful life. She had the gumption to change careers when many people would be too anxious to do so, paralyzed by the prospect of change. She challenged herself as a teacher, always finding ways to be better and grow her confidence. She joined numerous committees, throwing events to further educate and support her students. A teacher is one of the most universally respected jobs one can have. It’s difficult, it’s tiring, and the kids can be a handful at times, but to people like Monahan, her students’ smiling faces are worth it.

“Everything happens for a reason. My students make great strides and I am so proud of each and every one of them,” Monahan said.