"Special teacher is a profession where impressions, work style and tactics change every day" - said Lela Paikidze, a teacher at Public School No. 61, who has been awarded the status of Senior Special Teacher since 2021.

Lela Paikidze knew from a very young age that her future activities would definitely be related to children.

"At a very young age I knew exactly what I had to do in the future. It is true that I had no idea about the existence of such a profession, but I really knew that future activities would definitely be related to children. Working with them has always been my calling. I always wanted to protect their interests, their rights, to help them adapt to the environment and to help them discover themselves. Moreover, the role of the parent is paramount, and I would like to thank the motivated parents who followed the instructions provided by us meticulously. They have become the connecting link between special teachers and students” - stated the teacher.

Lela Paikidze thinks that the success of a special teacher in the classroom is conditioned by the result of her own students, the feedback received from them, the emotion shared by them or simply their happy eyes.

"When I see that my student achieves the goal that we set together and worked on selflessly, I feel that this is my success and I need nothing else. When a student trusts me, it is enough to assume that I have succeeded.

I advise my colleagues and future special teachers - never give up! Always fight to protect both the student and your own rights! Remember, you are primarily a student's advocate, and if you cannot protect your rights, how can you protect a student? We have a very important role to play, and we should not disappoint our students” – states the teacher.