Walking into Functional Academic Class (FAC) teacher Lance Estes’ classroom, students find themselves in an environment shaped by patience, teamwork, and trust. Though he is new to Westwood, Mr. Estes carries 16 years of experience in special education coupled with a genuine passion for helping students succeed — a fervor born from a desire to find meaning in his work.
Exemplifying acceptance, the FAC program provides specialized instruction for students with learning differences, adapting the core curriculum to meet individual needs and abilities. However, for Mr. Estes, teaching FAC is more than just his career. It fulfills his search for purpose that began years ago, in a field far removed from education.
“[Previously, I] just had an unsatisfying job and wanted to do something that had meaning and was a service to people,” Mr. Estes said.
Before discovering his calling in education, Mr. Estes worked in the automotive industry selling engines and transmissions. While the work provided financial stability, Mr. Estes was left searching for something more fulfilling. That search led him to special education, where he has been teaching in FAC programs for 16 years now.
“I sold engines and transmissions. Financially, it was rewarding but [it lacked purpose],” Mr. Estes said. “Orignally, 16 years ago, I was thinking I would just be a special education teacher for a couple of years, and then be an English teacher, but I really, really enjoyed what I did, and I can’t see myself doing anything else now.”
What began as a temporary career change evolved into a lifelong commitment to special education. While some educators in FAC programs typically transition to other roles after a few years, Mr. Estes has found lasting fulfillment in working with students with special needs.
“Working in FAC programs, people usually leave after five to six years, but I’ve really stuck with it for longer because I’ve enjoyed it,” Mr. Estes said.
Mr. Estes is a Westwood alumnus, having graduated from the school years before returning as an educator. Coming back to the campus where he once walked as a student has made his first year teaching here especially meaningful.
“I actually graduated from Westwood,” Mr. Estes said. “I was just checking around, and they had a job opening for what I liked to teach, so I applied and it worked out.”
By returning to his alma mater, Mr. Estes can contribute to the community that helped shape him. His teaching philosophy emphasizes building off of each student’s unique abilities while encouraging growth and progress.
“Just meet students where they are at. Start from there,” Mr. Estes said. “You want to challenge them, but find them where they are and go from there.”
Within the FAC program, Mr. Estes teaches every core academic subject, but his affinity lies in English instruction. He views language as the gateway to essential communication skills. For his students, developing these communication abilities is crucial for expressing their needs, building relationships, and navigating daily life with greater independence.
“I really do love teaching English because it folds into teaching communication, which is really valuable to my students,” Mr. Estes said.
For Mr. Estes, the most rewarding aspect of teaching lies in building relationships and fostering collaboration. His classroom is a team environment, one where trust and cohesion are paramount to student success.
“You get to work with a team and get that team to jell together,” Mr. Estes said. “Being cohesive is always a fun challenge. I find the students to be incredibly sweet, and once they begin to trust you, seeing them progress and succeed really brings me a lot of joy.”
His team-oriented approach extends beyond the classroom. Through his past involvement with Special Olympics — a global organization providing year-round athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities — Mr. Estes has demonstrated his commitment to supporting students with special needs.
“In the past, I’ve worked with the Special Olympics, which I’ve really enjoyed,” Mr. Estes said. “I know Westwood has a lot of kids who participate in Special Olympics, but I would be open [to getting involved].”
As he navigates his first year as a Warrior, Mr. Estes has been impressed by his colleagues’ expertise and dedication to their craft. He is taking a measured approach to getting involved in additional activities.
“So far, every [teacher] seems on top of their game,” Mr. Estes said. “But it’s my first year, so I’m just finding my way.”
Mr. Estes’ goal for his first year of teaching is to continue building meaningful relationships with students while helping them reach their fullest potential. For Mr. Estes, success in special education comes from empathizing with and meeting each student at where they are in their educational journey.
“I’m an experienced teacher,” Mr. Estes said. “I’ve been around for a while, but it’s my first year, so I’m just finding my way.”
