This spotlight is of Grace Reynold, a Special Education Paraprofessional. Grace is applying for The 2026 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 and learn more about my autism journey from nonspeaking to professional speaker in the video below.
Grace Reynolds works as a SPED Paraprofessional at Shepherd Middle School in Shepherd, Montana, where she supports students in grades 6–8. In her role, Grace assists a small group of students with diverse learning needs in subjects such as Career and Vocational Studies, Life Skills, and Humanities. With a focus on meeting students where they are, Grace is dedicated to helping each student build both academic understanding and practical life skills that will support their independence.
Grace’s philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” centers on truly getting to know each student and building lessons around their individual interests. She believes that when educators take the time to understand what motivates students, learning becomes more engaging and meaningful. In her work, Grace often purchases games and creates worksheets that align with her students’ interests while still teaching essential academic concepts. By connecting lessons to things students enjoy, she helps them stay motivated and invested in their learning.
Grace works primarily in the study room and life skills room, where she supports both general education special education students and those with more significant needs. Because every student learns differently, she focuses on providing tools that help students regulate their emotions, stay engaged, and remain active while learning. If awarded the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, Grace hopes to bring additional tools into the classroom that help students cope, move, and stay focused during lessons. These supports can make a meaningful difference for students who benefit from movement and sensory input as part of their learning process.
One of Grace’s proudest successes involves helping students develop skills that many people take for granted but are incredibly meaningful milestones. She shares that she helped one sixth-grade student learn how to tie his shoes, a skill that builds confidence and independence. She also worked with a seventh-grade student who was learning how to read, supporting him step by step as he developed his literacy skills.
To help motivate her students, Grace implemented a creative reward system using fake money as an incentive. Students could earn the classroom currency and then use it to purchase real snacks or even movies once they had saved enough. This system helped reinforce positive behaviors and gave students a tangible way to see the results of their efforts.
For Grace, moments like these highlight the importance of patience, creativity, and individualized support in special education. Every small victory—whether it’s learning to read, mastering a life skill, or staying engaged during a lesson—represents meaningful progress for her students.
Through her dedication to helping students build independence and confidence, Grace Reynolds continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the students she supports each day.
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.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram.
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.
