This spotlight is of Alexis Carroll, a Special Education Teacher at Wurtland Elementary School. Alexis 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.
Alexis Carroll is a Special Education teacher at Wurtland Elementary School in Greenup County, Kentucky, where she serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade. With a year of teaching experience, Alexis focuses on teaching math, reading, social skills, and adaptive skills to her students, many of whom have autism, Fragile X Syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Alexis is currently applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant through the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference, a grant that recognizes educators who are committed to improving the lives of children with special needs.
For Alexis, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is at the heart of her approach to education. It means recognizing that every student learns differently and creating an environment where each child can thrive. She believes that teaching must be flexible and adaptable to the unique needs of each student. In her classroom, no two days look the same. Some students learn best with visual supports, while others require more hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. Alexis understands that her students’ challenges are not just academic but often emotional and sensory as well, so she works tirelessly to meet each child where they are, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed.
“Teaching the way our students learn means flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of each child’s strengths and challenges,” Alexis explains. For her, this philosophy is not just about adapting lessons but also about fostering strong relationships with her students. She believes that a safe, supportive, and engaging environment is essential for learning to take place. Alexis strives to make learning fun and accessible, incorporating interactive activities and using students’ interests to help them engage with the material. This approach not only supports academic progress but also helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment among her students.
As Alexis transitions into a new classroom designed specifically for students with autism, she hopes to further enhance her ability to support her students’ individual needs. In her new role, she will teach students reading, math, and social skills while also providing support during lunch, recess, and social studies. The classroom is a place where students can receive the structure and consistency they need, as well as the flexibility to explore and engage in meaningful learning experiences. However, Alexis faces challenges in providing the necessary resources to meet her students’ needs, especially given the limited materials available in her district.
This is where the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant could make a significant impact. Alexis is hoping to purchase visual schedules, task boxes, and sensory tools that will provide her students with the structure and support they need to manage transitions and regulate their emotions. Additionally, adaptive seating options and interactive learning materials will help her create a classroom environment that is comfortable, engaging, and tailored to her students’ needs. With these resources, Alexis will be able to further personalize her teaching strategies, helping her students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
One of the most rewarding experiences in Alexis’s teaching career has been supporting a student with autism who struggled with emotional regulation and transitioning between activities. At the start of the school year, this student was in a general education classroom but struggled with frequent behavioral incidents, such as eloping and aggression. These behaviors made it difficult for him to engage with the curriculum and participate in the classroom environment.
Recognizing the need for more structure and consistency, Alexis began working with the student in her classroom. She created a personalized environment with a consistent daily schedule and visual supports, which helped reduce anxiety and provided a sense of predictability. Alexis also incorporated interactive learning activities, allowing the student to make choices and engage with the material in a way that was both fun and academic. As a result, the student’s behavior improved significantly, and he began transitioning between activities with less resistance.
The success Alexis saw with this student had a far-reaching impact. A functional behavior analysis was conducted, and Alexis’s approach was recognized as a model for supporting students with autism. As a result, she was recommended for a new role in a classroom designed specifically for students with autism, where she can continue to implement the strategies that worked so well for this student.
“This experience reinforced my belief in the power of individualized supports and meeting students where they are,” Alexis reflects. “By tailoring strategies to their specific needs, we can help students find success and build a foundation for future growth.” As Alexis prepares to transition to her new classroom, she is confident that with the right resources, she can continue to help her students make meaningful progress and achieve their full potential.
The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant will help Alexis create an even more effective learning environment for her students, giving them the resources and support they need to succeed. For Alexis, teaching the way her students learn is not just a philosophy—it’s a commitment to making sure every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter the challenges they may face.
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.
