Class of 2026: Future Special Education Teacher Turns Personal Challenges Into Purpose in the Classroom

May 15, 2026 - 04:52

He once struggled to read at grade level. This spring, he will graduate from Old Dominion University ready to lead his own classroom. For Adyn Moehring, the path from struggling student to future special education teacher has been anything but easy.

"I always struggled with Auditory Processing Disorder. I was always behind my classmates," Moehring said. "I had to work hard to get here. A lot of people doubted me, and I often doubted myself."

Moehring's own challenges in school gave him a unique perspective. He knows what it feels like to fall behind and to feel misunderstood. Instead of letting those experiences defeat him, he turned them into fuel. He decided to become the kind of teacher he wished he had growing up.

Now, as a member of the Class of 2026, Moehring is preparing to step into a special education classroom. He wants to help students who face similar obstacles. He understands that learning does not look the same for everyone. His goal is to create a space where every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

His story is a reminder that the best teachers often come from the most difficult beginnings. Moehring does not just teach lessons. He lives proof that a student's past does not define their future.