Meet Rebecca Urban
Intermediate School District
Ingham Intermediate School District
Certification
Special Education
District
Holt Public Schools
Professional Background
Paraeducator at Holt Public Schools since 2017
Talent Together graduate turned mentor teacher for our registered apprenticeship program
Rebecca graduated from Central Michigan University with her Masters of Arts in Special Education. She is now a Special Education teacher at Holt Public Schools and opens her classroom to mentor teacher candidates through our registered apprenticeship program.
What was your journey like before joining Talent Together?
I started with the Holt Public School system in 2017 as a paraeducator. I received my undergrad in elementary education 2009 from Central Michigan University but didn’t end up in public schools until my own kids were in school. As a paraeducator I worked with students with autism, both in regular general education and special education rooms. In 2021 I was asked to long term sub in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) room, and was able to secure a full time teaching position there. I enrolled in CMU’s Master Educator program with an ASD endorsement through Talent Together. I was a part of Talent Together’s very first cohort.
How did you first hear about Talent Together?
It was actually perfect timing! I knew I wanted to be teaching in the Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom but my undergrad was not in special education. The HR director at Holt Public Schools sent me an email and I knew it was the perfect opportunity.
What inspired you to become a mentor teacher with Talent Together?
As someone with experience on both the teaching and paraeducator sides of an ASD classroom, I’m eager to share insights, opportunities, and real-world experiences with future special education teachers in the Talent Together program.
What have you most enjoyed about being a mentor teacher?
Brainstorming with my apprentice teacher has been great! She has really encouraged me to use more technology in my lessons and has allowed me to see my program in action (outside looking in). Its a different expereince being the person seeing the kids instead of being the person in front of the kids. Seeing my apprentice use the tools and curriculum that I’ve developed has allowed me to make tweaks and alterations that will make the program even better!
What have you most enjoyed about being a mentor teacher?
It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch teacher candidates grow—from feeling nervous to thriving with confidence. I remember one lesson that didn’t go as planned due to student behavior, but the teacher candidate handled it with such composure and professionalism—it reminded me of a seasoned teacher. I felt so proud knowing I played a part in helping build the confidence they will carry into their own classroom.