This spotlight is of Mary Saydah, a Special Education Teacher at Wyoming School. Mary 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.
Mary Saydah’s journey as a special education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst has been driven by a deep commitment to understanding each student as an individual. With six years of experience working with students with autism spectrum disorder at Wyoming School in Millburn, New Jersey, Mary has become a champion for personalized learning, inclusion, and the belief that every child can succeed when taught in the way they learn best.
For Mary, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” goes far beyond standard teaching methods. It is about truly understanding the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each student and tailoring instruction accordingly. “One of the quotes that resonated most with me when I first started in the special education field was, ‘Every student can learn, it just may not be on the same day or in the same way,’” Mary reflects. “This quote has shaped my approach to teaching because it reminds me that there’s no one-size-fits-all model. My job is to find what works for each student.”
In her classroom, which serves as a self-contained Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classroom for students with autism, Mary takes an individualized approach to learning. She begins by getting to know each student beyond academics—by observing their interests, strengths, and the ways they engage with the world around them. Whether it’s through art, games, or storytelling, Mary uses these insights to create personalized learning experiences. For example, a student who is motivated by art might learn shapes, colors, and numbers through creative expression, while another student who loves words may work on reading comprehension through stories about their favorite topics.
In her classroom, the goal is not only academic achievement but also social and emotional development. Mary uses positive reinforcement and creates opportunities for students to engage in activities they enjoy, such as art, music, or games. By integrating students into these preferred subjects and incorporating them into general education settings when possible, she creates a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive in all areas of life.
The importance of inclusion is a cornerstone of Mary’s teaching philosophy. She believes that fostering connections between students with autism and their neurotypical peers is vital for both groups. At Wyoming School, Mary works tirelessly to ensure that her students have as many opportunities as possible to interact with their general education peers. When integration is not immediately possible due to behavioral challenges or other barriers, she creates alternative opportunities for socialization, such as reverse inclusion programs like Peer Buddies and sensory art clubs.
Mary is currently applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant from KFM Making a Difference to further enhance the inclusivity of her classroom. With this grant, she plans to purchase a Nintendo Switch and various games like Mario Kart, which will help her students develop leisure skills and learn the social dynamics involved in playing games with their peers. “Gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch are what our students’ peers are using in their leisure time,” she explains. “By teaching our students how to play these games, we can introduce them to an enjoyable, age-appropriate social activity that they can share with others.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Mary’s work is the tangible progress she sees in her students. She remembers a particular student who faced significant challenges when he first arrived at Wyoming School. This student, a first-grader who had recently moved to the U.S., struggled with self-injurious behaviors and had difficulty communicating with others. For his first year, he was unable to participate in the general education environment due to his behaviors. However, through a combination of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques, positive reinforcement, and close collaboration with his family, Mary was able to help him develop functional communication skills.
“We used social stories and visual schedules to teach him how to handle new social situations, and through consistent reinforcement, we saw him start to engage with his peers more,” Mary recalls. “By his second grade year, he was participating in snack time, recess, and specials with his general education peers. His art teacher even featured him as the special artist at the school’s art show, which was a huge accomplishment.”
This student’s success didn’t stop there. By his third grade year, he was recognized as the “Mindset Master” for his grade—a special award given to students who exemplify a strong work ethic and perseverance. Standing in front of the entire school, he was celebrated for his growth, receiving applause from his peers and even attending a pizza luncheon where he shared his interests with them.
“Now, as a fourth grader, he has expanded his inclusion even further,” Mary proudly shares. “He attends lunch in the cafeteria and participates in After School Enrichment clubs. The transformation we’ve seen in him—both socially and academically—has been incredible. He’s now able to communicate with his peers, express his interests, and be recognized by the entire school for his achievements.”
Mary’s work is a testament to the power of individualized, compassionate teaching. She firmly believes that with the right support, every student—regardless of their challenges—can achieve their goals and become an active, engaged member of the school community. Through her work, Mary continues to show that personalized learning, when done with care and creativity, can truly change lives. With the additional support from the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, Mary is excited to expand the opportunities for inclusion, socialization, and personal growth for her students, helping them build not only academic skills but the life skills they need for a successful future.
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.
