This spotlight is of Philip Mohseni, a Special Day Teacher at Chrysalis Center. Philip 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.
Philip Mohseni’s journey into the world of special education has been nothing short of transformative. A first-year teacher with a heart full of passion for his students, he serves as a Special Day Teacher at Chrysalis Center in Santa Cruz, California. With a unique focus on students with autism, Philip’s goal is to create an environment where each student feels valued, understood, and capable of reaching their full potential.
Philip’s philosophy is grounded in the idea of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn.” In special education, where students have diverse needs and learning styles, this philosophy becomes a guiding principle. Philip believes that teaching isn’t about forcing every student into the same mold; instead, it’s about recognizing and embracing the individuality of each learner. By adjusting teaching methods and materials to fit each student’s unique needs, he ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“To teach the way our students learn means understanding that every child has a different way of processing and engaging with the world around them,” Philip explains. “For some students, this might mean breaking down lessons into smaller, manageable parts. For others, it might involve using hands-on activities or incorporating visual aids to help them grasp complex concepts.”
For Philip, teaching is not only about academic success but also social and emotional growth. His classroom, where he works with eight students in grades 1 through 3, is a dynamic space focused on helping students build their social and emotional skills. By offering a variety of learning methods—like visual schedules, interactive activities, and sensory tools—Philip creates an environment where every student feels supported in their own learning journey.
One of the key strategies Philip employs is differentiated instruction, tailoring lessons to the specific needs of each student. “For example, if we’re learning about animals in science, some students might prefer to watch a video, while others might enjoy reading a book or drawing pictures,” he says. “Providing different ways to learn helps students engage with the material in ways that make the most sense to them.”
Recently, Philip made a significant impact on his students’ emotional well-being by transforming one of the classroom spaces into a “chill zone.” This space, designed to help students calm down when they feel overwhelmed, includes soft lighting, sensory toys, stuffed animals, and nature-inspired imagery such as beaches and forests. The response from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. Philip notes, “When the students are feeling escalated, they naturally gravitate toward this space. It’s become a safe haven where they can regain their composure and feel supported.”
But Philip isn’t stopping there. He is currently seeking the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant from KFM Making a Difference to further enhance his classroom. The grant will help him create a “Magic Room,” an interactive space that incorporates cutting-edge “smart” technologies inspired by research from Italy. This room will use technology to foster engagement and provide a multi-sensory experience, encouraging students to interact with the world around them in new and innovative ways. Philip believes that integrating smart functions into his classroom will help deepen the impact of his therapeutic spaces, ensuring that all students—especially those with autism—have the tools they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.
Philip’s vision for the future is rooted in his unwavering belief that education is not one-size-fits-all. Through personalized learning, emotional support, and cutting-edge resources, he hopes to create an environment where students can unlock their fullest potential. His journey as an educator is a testament to the power of understanding and adapting to the unique needs of each child, and his commitment to his students’ success is evident in every decision he makes.
As he continues to grow in his role at Chrysalis Center, Philip Mohseni is an inspiring example of what it means to teach with heart, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to the individual needs of his students. Through his work, he’s not just teaching academic skills but shaping the future for students who will go on to make meaningful contributions to society.
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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.
