Heather T.

Aire Libre Elemetary School

Heather is a phenomenal teacher to the Autism program at Aire Libre. The children in her class are not just students but they become her kids, not only for a school year but always. She goes above and beyond what she is required to do for them. However dealing with kids with autism does require special patience, understanding and love, 3 qualities that Heather possesses more than than the average person. She makes learning fun for them no matter what they all seem to be interested in at the moment. For example, one day she overhears her students on the playground playing "pirate". She turns all of her teaching into "Pirate Treasure" play that day. Getting a treasure box & filling it with booty, drawing up a map for treasure hunt, incorporating therapies throughout the day by cutting out & making pirate hats. She loves her job & her "children" so much that she doesn't mind her 90minute commute to and from school every day! Now that is dedication. Without her these children wouldn't be thriving in school. And despite all of what I have just said she is the most humble, modest people you'll ever meet claiming all the children's success belongs to them for putting in the hard work. However we as parents know that the children only work hard because of her teaching style making learning fun for them. My daughter struggled through school until we changed schools and were introduced to Heather, now she is thriving. Despite starting out with many social inhibitions, she has now become the most popular girl in her class. Heather encourgaes children like nothing I have ever seen before. She is an asset to not only the children she teaches but also to the teaching profession. If all teachers were like her there wouldn't be things wrong with the school system!

Signed,
Kimberly Monaco