This spotlight is of Angel Carrillo, a special education moderator for Odyssey Charter School – South. Angel is applying for The 2024 Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, and you can read more about my organization here.
Angel Carrillo has dedicated the past ten years of his career to shaping the futures of students with special needs, working in a Special Day Class (SDC) for students in grades TK through 2nd at Odyssey Charter School – South in Altadena, California. As a Special Education Teacher, Angel’s mission is to create a supportive, dynamic, and inclusive learning environment that nurtures each student’s potential, especially for those with Autism and Learning Disabilities. She is now applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, hoping to further enrich his classroom and provide even more tailored learning experiences for his students.
For Angel, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is the foundation of his teaching practice. She believes that each child has a unique way of processing information, expressing themselves, and engaging with the world. In special education, this philosophy becomes even more significant as it requires flexibility, creativity, and responsiveness. Angel approaches each lesson with the understanding that traditional, one-size-fits-all methods don’t work for his students. Instead, she tailors his teaching to meet the individual needs of each child, recognizing that every student learns differently.
In his classroom, this approach involves using visual supports, hands-on activities, and multi-sensory learning experiences to help students access the curriculum. She incorporates assistive technologies, like communication devices, to support students who are non-verbal, and provides tactile learning materials for those who benefit from kinesthetic engagement. Through consistent routines and individualized strategies, Angel ensures his students feel understood and supported, empowering them to develop the confidence to learn and grow at their own pace. This philosophy not only maximizes academic potential but fosters a sense of autonomy, which plays a crucial role in building self-esteem and independence.
Angel’s classroom, home to three remarkable students, is an open and engaging space designed to support their learning and development. Despite the challenges that come with having limited resources, Angel has created an environment where his students can feel safe, understood, and valued. The classroom is equipped with basic materials and play equipment, but with the help of the Kerry Magro Grant, Angel would be able to expand his resources, offering more educational tools, sensory materials, and adaptive equipment that are specifically tailored to his students’ needs. This grant would provide the opportunity to transform his classroom into a more dynamic and supportive space, where his students could thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Angel’s work is the incredible progress his students have made, particularly in the past few days. Despite the challenges his students face—being non-verbal and having unique communication needs—she has witnessed remarkable growth. The most heartwarming success has been their growing sense of autonomy. Angel’s students have begun to make independent choices during center time, such as selecting a toy, choosing a sensory activity, or picking a book. This newfound ability to choose their activities has given them a sense of control over their learning and daily routines, empowering them to take charge of their educational journey.
However, one student’s success story stands out above all. This particular child, who had been non-verbal since the start of the school year, has begun to make incredible strides in communication. Over the past three days, Angel has seen this child start to vocalize during preferred activities. Initially, the sounds were simple syllables, but gradually, they have evolved into more recognizable words. The joy and pride on the child’s face when they successfully communicate a word or request is immeasurable, and it’s a moment that brings profound joy to Angel and his students. This breakthrough is a powerful testament to the impact of personalized, patient teaching, and the loving, nurturing environment that Angel has worked tirelessly to create.
Through the tailored support, individualized attention, and consistent encouragement, Angel’s students have begun to break through their barriers and communicate in ways that were once thought impossible. These small but significant victories reaffirm Angel’s belief in the importance of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn.” The opportunity to further enhance his classroom with the help of the Kerry Magro Grant would allow his to continue fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Angel’s commitment to his students is unwavering, and she believes that by embracing each child’s unique learning style, she can make a lasting, positive impact on their lives. With the support of the grant, she will be able to provide even more opportunities for growth, ensuring that every student has access to a meaningful and enriching educational experience.
Have Dr. Kerry Magro give a student assembly, staff development for your educators or a parent talk for your parents by contacting him here for more details.
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My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
