Making the World a Bigger and Better Place for Students with Visual Impairments

Ms. Bridget Segroves always knew she would grow up to be an educator. When she first joined the District 24 years ago, she was able to live out her childhood dream as a general education teacher and later became a reading specialist. Ms. Segroves explains that while teaching was always part of her plan, she didn’t discover her true calling until she transitioned to teaching special education. 

For the past five years, Ms. Segroves has dedicated herself to working with students with visual impairments of all ages. She provides direct instruction and accommodations to help students from schools across the city with accessing the everyday curriculum. Learn more about her below!

What is your main priority in teaching?

My main priority is accessibility for our students. Whether it's helping them see something that’s written on the board or teaching them shortcuts on the keyboard to be more efficient, it’s my job to help them access everyday instruction and make their world bigger and better. 

What have you learned from your experience as a teacher for the visually impaired?

I have grown and changed a lot throughout my career. I learned a while back that the better I know my students, the better teacher I am, so I really get to know them. My experience has taught me that there will be times when mistakes are made, but it’ll be alright as long as we learn from them and get better every day.  

What brings you back to the District year after year?

The District is an amazing place to work each day. I’ve never left CPS because I love the neighborhoods, the culture, and working with the people in our communities to support our students and their academic experience. It's the people who make CPS and make everything happen.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of all our educators who are also parents like me; I have five sons. The balancing act between home and our teaching lives is not always pretty, but we get it done!

What message do you have for your colleagues for Teacher Appreciation Week?

I am so grateful for all the teachers who have allowed me into their classrooms and trust me to support their students with visual impairments. I appreciate being able to travel from school to school and learning from all the different teachers I meet and collaborate with. I believe there is good in the world, and a lot of it is thanks to our educators!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Celebrate your favorite teachers and let them know how much they are valued using these resources.