‘I feel like this is my calling’
Josh Rivers, a 2018 Midwest City High School graduate, is beginning a career at special education teacher at his alma mater. Rivers was inspired by his brother Christopher who has Down syndrome. Photo by Jeff Harrison
MCHS grad follows heart to career in special education
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
For many people, a career path isn’t always a straight line.
Josh Rivers can attest to that.
The Midwest City native earned a degree in graphic design and was working at his family’s real estate business. But he felt like there was something else out there.
A call from a former high school teacher proved to be just that. Amber Gorman, a teacher at Midwest City High School, encouraged him to apply for an opening in the special education department.
Rivers was touched by the opportunity. His older brother Christopher has Down syndrome and was in the special education program at Midwest City High School.
“I feel like this is my calling,” he said. “It wouldn’t have showed up on the doorstep if it wasn’t for me, is how I feel.”
Next week, Rivers will begin his first year as a special education teacher at his alma mater.
“I was more than honored to be asked to be a SPED (special education) teacher because I really want to impact those children and the team,” he said.
Rivers graduated from Midwest City High School in 2018. He went on to McPherson College in Kansas where he earned a degree in graphic design and played basketball, and later played for one year at Ottawa University in Arizona.
After graduation, he returned home and worked with his mother and aunt in their real estate business. Gorman recruited him last year for an opening as a geometry teacher, but Rivers declined.
“I was nervous and that was out of my element,” he said.
The right opportunity came this year with the opening in special education. Rivers comes to the new career from a place of love and understanding. He understands the challenges of helping people with disabilities and wants to make a difference.
“I want to actually study the kids and find out what they need,” he said.
He’s also interested in helping students in special education develop skills for the future.
“They can go to the vo-tech and just need help and assistance,” he said.
Coming back to his high school is a surreal experience Rivers said. It’s something he shares with his best friend DJ
Walters, who is in his second year as a teacher and coach at Midwest City High School.
“We just can’t believe it. It’s a great feeling to go back to our alma mater and help and do whatever we can,” he said.
Rivers will also be coaching freshman girls basketball.
As a new special education teacher, Rivers has completed a special education boot camp. Mid-Del Schools hosts the program for anyone that has a bachelor’s degree outside of education. The program includes course work and observation work. After completing the program, new teachers can apply for a provisional license.
Tressa Wilson, director of special services at Mid-Del Schools, said Rivers’ path to a career in special education is unique and inspirational.
“My hope is that it’ll do the same thing for other people,” she said. “That’s what’s going to build education. It has to be those intrinsic things that make you want to be in education and not just summers off.”
The special services department has 19 staff members including paraprofessionals and teachers.
