Teacher Appreciation Week: Deana McDonough Found Her Path in Bethalto School District

BETHALTO - Deana McDonough always knew she wanted to work in special education. It took some time, but her life led her to where she was meant to be.

McDonough is the District Behavior Interventionist who works closely with students at Wilbur Trimpe Middle School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is remembering why she chose this job.

“I became a teacher to help empower students,” she said. “I am passionate about teaching students how to advocate for themselves. Too often, our neurodivergent students or students with significant behaviors live up to the lower expectations placed upon or set for them. I want to set the bar higher for each and every student so they can grow in all aspects of their lives and become contributing members of our society.”

McDonough knew special education was the right journey for her, but she “got off [her] path” and started her career in the corporate world. One day, she woke up and asked herself what she was doing. Her husband encouraged her to go back to school, but it was difficult with two young kids at home.

The next steps weren’t easy, but McDonough is so thankful she pursued her dream job and ultimately took this role in the Bethalto School District. She loves collaborating with students and seeing “how hard they work and their tremendous progress.” She is passionate about teaching her students, but she especially enjoys learning from her students.

It can be difficult to manage all her work in the time allotted, as McDonough never feels like she has enough time. This is largely due to the fact that she goes above and beyond in everything she does. Despite these challenges, McDonough balances the demands of the job well and always reminds herself that it’s about the students first and foremost.

When she’s not at school, McDonough spends time with her family and grandchildren. She also reads, gardens and serves at her church.

Though the path to education wasn’t linear, McDonough is certain she is now where she is supposed to be. It’s important to her to work closely with students who need a little extra support, and she works hard to encourage them through every challenge and success.

“I can honestly say that I would do this job for free,” she added. “I wake up grateful every day to be where I am.”

Thank you to Deana McDonough for your work as a teacher!

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