Those words resonate deeply as Dusti reflects on her journey to becoming the special education teacher for Momence High School’s self-contained classroom. With a career rooted in passion and persistence, Dusti exemplifies the dedication it takes to guide students with unique needs toward meaningful progress.

Starting her second year at Momence, Dusti brings nearly two decades of experience in special education, having spent 18 years teaching in Danville, Illinois, after earning her degree. But the seeds of her career were sown long before that.

“I’ve always worked with developmentally disabled adults in group homes,” Dusti recalls. “When my husband went back to school, I realized it was my chance too. I had initially planned to study psychology, but my husband said, ‘You’re special ed all the way.’ He was right—I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Dusti’s work centers on students who function academically three to five grade levels below their peers. Her classroom is a haven of creativity and adaptability, where lessons are tailored to meet students exactly where they are.

“You take the Common Core standards and find ways to present them at their instructional level,” she explains. “Every student learns differently, and there’s no guaranteed path to reach them—but that’s the challenge I love.”

For Dusti, education extends beyond academics. Her students learn life skills embedded in what she calls the “hidden curriculum.”

“It’s about things like being on time, communicating effectively, or managing emotions,” she says. “These aren’t lessons from a book, but they’re critical for becoming productive citizens and finding happiness.”

Dusti’s classroom is more than a place of learning—it’s a space where relationships flourish. “I make a point to talk to each student every morning,” she says. “We start with simple questions like, ‘How are you?’ or ‘What’s one good thing that happened last night?’ These moments matter, especially for students who may not feel seen or heard elsewhere.”

This personal approach helps students build confidence and manage the challenges of teenage life, compounded for many by their disabilities. “Being a teenager is hard enough,” Dusti says. “Add a disability, and the difficulty multiplies. My job is to create a safe environment where they can express themselves and grow.”

Moving to Momence after nearly two decades in Danville wasn’t an easy decision, but Dusti has embraced the small-town spirit. “I grew up in San Diego, where neighbors rarely talked,” she says with a laugh. “Here, people bring over cake to welcome you. It was an adjustment, but now I love it.”

Her husband, the band director at Momence, played a big role in their relocation. “He started here two years ago and encouraged me to apply when a special ed position opened up,” she shares. “We wanted to be closer to family, and this has been the perfect fit.”

Dusti’s perspective as an “outsider” gives her unique insight into Momence’s close-knit community. “It’s a living organism,” she says. “You have to figure out how to fit in without disrupting what already works. That’s not always easy, but this community has been very welcoming.”

As Dusti looks back on her journey, one piece of advice stands out: “Start sooner.” She didn’t return to college until her 30s, but she’s grateful for every step along the way.

“If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say, ‘Be a special ed teacher—it’s the perfect job.’ This work is exhausting, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Dusti Schumann’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of helping others. For her students and the Momence community, her presence is a gift that keeps giving.