Pam Walker has taught in the classroom at PEP for 41 years. When asked why she has stayed so long she laughs and says she would be bored anywhere else.

She’s right about one thing: PEP classrooms are not boring. PEP Day Treatment Centers provide integrated special education and mental health services for students with significant behavioral and emotional challenges. All students at PEP have an individualized education plan. On any given day, PEP teachers and mental health professionals in the classroom are handling a myriad of challenges. Not only must they ensure that students are emotionally regulated, but they must also teach educational content to meet state standards. And that’s not easy under ideal circumstances!

Walker enjoys the challenge and points to several reasons she has stayed at PEP and in the classroom for so long.

PEP Values Creativity

“Everyone I have ever worked for at PEP values creativity,” she explained. “I’m encouraged to try new ideas in the classroom.” Because of this support, Walker has developed a passion for community service and community-based learning. The leaders at PEP have encouraged her to put this passion into practice to benefit her students.

As a result, she and her students volunteer regularly. For the last several years, she has taken groups of students to volunteer at Trials for Hope, a local nonprofit that provides food, personal care items and warmth to those in need. Walker believes community service at PEP can be therapeutic for students and can teach them lessons they may not get inside the walls of a classroom.

PEP Colleagues are Special

Another reason Pam Walker has stayed at PEP is the connection she has with her colleagues. She says she has made fantastic friends at PEP and has stayed friends with them for many years, even maintaining a few from her first years as a teacher. “It’s a whole different atmosphere here. Everybody works together so closely.”

Impacting Kids

A few weeks ago, Pam Walker stopped at McDonalds with her class on the way back to school from volunteering. As they ate their food, she saw a young man who looked familiar and realized he was a student from years ago. She explained that when he was at PEP he had struggled significantly with mental health issues. As a result, he had behaviors that could be difficult to handle, and yet, she had recognized his strengths. He participated enthusiastically in community-based learning and formed a special bond with her.

At McDonalds, the former student recognized her. He explained that the opportunity he had in her class to participate in volunteer work had made a big impact on him. Today, he has a career in service as a State Tested Nurse Aide. He takes care of the grandfather who raised him. He has a lot to be proud of. Before leaving, he gave her students a pep (PEP?) talk letting them know how important it was for them to participate in community service.

Over the years, Pam has taught hundreds of students. Knowing that the lessons she has imparted live on in these students and help them lead meaningful lives is priceless. Running into the former student at McDonalds and seeing his success reinforced that lesson for her.

Tips for New Teachers

Pam Walker, armed with 41 years of classroom experience, knows a thing or two about teaching. During our interview, she shared a few tips for new teachers.

Learn More

To learn more about PEP’s Day Treatment Centers or other programs, visit our website. Contact Nicole Molnar, sr. director, clinical services, at 216-361-7760 ext. 110 or via email to see if a student in your district may be a good fit.

Please note, referrals to PEP’s Day Treatment Centers are made through school districts. Interested parents or caregivers should contact their school administrator.