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Miranda Domiano Kappa Chi - Youngstown State University
Intervention Specialist, Girard City Schools

Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Generosity
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
While in high school, I was selected to be a peer mentor in our special education classrooms. After having this hands-on experience with students with disabilities, I knew it was something that I wanted to make my career. I decided to be a special education major with a double license mild/moderate and moderate/intense. My passion is working with students that have intense disabilities.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
In my professional career my direct supervisor has been an amazing mentor to me. She is an incredible leader and advocate for students. As the Director of Special Education for the entire district, she has always taken the time to help me and empower me to become a better educator. She has been invaluable in my professional career, providing guidance, support and insights that have helped me reach my full potential.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
Self-care and taking care of your physical and mental health are very important for overall well-being. As a young teacher, this was something that I had a very hard time with. I take a lot of work home with me. Whether that is physical work or mental work, such as constant worries and thoughts about my students. I have really tried to work on practicing gratitude by focusing on what I’m thankful for in my life. Also, learning to set boundaries and learn to say no to things that do not align with my values or goals.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
“Sold a Story,” a podcast, put together by investigative reporter Emily Hanford and published by American Public Media, sheds light on how, despite decades of scientific research on how children learn to read, schools ignored that research to purchase and implement curriculums from authors and publishers whose work was rooted in disproven methods for teaching reading. Throughout the podcast, Emily dives deep into how millions of children in America cannot read because of the methods that were/are being used in American schools, such as cueing which is where a child used the pictures on the page to come up with the text on the page. ”Sold a Story” made an impact on me professionally because I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the research that has been conducted on how children learn to read. Additionally, the podcast provided me with the ability to recognize the effects of previous ineffective methods that have been used with the students I encounter in my classroom and how I, as a professional, can help those students learn to read in a way that is backed by science and research.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
I utilize social media to stay connected with my professional network because it is the most current way to reach other professionals and make connections.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My friends provide emotional support and encouragement during challenging times, which has helped me persevere through difficult projects and tasks in my career. Feedback: My friends have helped provide honest feedback and constructive criticism that has helped me grow professionally and improve my work skills.Overall, friendships have provided a supportive and enriching environment for me that has benefited me both personally and professionally.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to spend my time volunteering with various organizations, including Delta Zeta. I also love spending time with my nieces and nephews. Becoming an aunt to three littles has been one of my biggest blessings. I love watching them grow and becoming excited about the world around them.