Whitney Pentecost ’22

Mild Intervention

Biography

Hi, my name is Whitney Pentecost. I’m from New Castle, Indiana. I was a graduate student at Taylor University from August 2022 until November 2022 studying Mild to Moderate Intervention in special education. I currently work as an ABE instructor and Special Education Coordinator at New Castle Correctional Facility and contracted through Ivy Tech Community College. I’ve been an ABE Instructor for two years. Since my time at Taylor, I’ve been working on my new role as Special Education Coordinator at New Castle Correctional Facility.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Some of my most valuable experiences through my Taylor program were the collaboration and interaction with instructors, as well as having the experience with disabilities myself, having a hearing impairment most of my life. I can relate to obstacles and successes people with disabilities have. My Taylor program gave me more opportunities than I ever thought would be possible.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My classes or interactions with Taylor professors impacted my growth not only as a special education coordinator but also impacted me as an individual. My classes have given me the tools to become successful in my profession as a special education coordinator. I learned a lot about what I’m capable of, as well as how I can grow in my profession as an ABE instructor. I currently hold a high literacy completion and high school equivalency graduation rate at my facility and intend to keep growing those rates.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Taylor graduate students have a unique gift with their Taylor education. To work in special education, it takes time, patience, and encouragement. We want our students to look beyond their disabilities and know that the sky is the limit. As I used as my vision statement, “Do great things today. Do greater things tomorrow.”

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Be patient with yourself. We have a gift in this field that is very underappreciated. Honor your gift to help others grow and succeed.