This document summarizes an interview with an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher, Mary Powers, who teaches students with special needs in grades 1-5. The teacher has students with autism spectrum disorder, other health impairments, and intellectual disabilities. Unique needs include assistance with daily living skills and behavioral plans for some students. Instruction is modified with a different curriculum, more time, repetition, and small group work. Parents provide input on student abilities and goals. While policy focuses on academic achievement, the teacher feels more time is needed for functional life skills to prepare students for community interaction. Assistive technologies like communication devices and Smart Boards are used to accommodate students' special needs.