This spotlight is of Nuha Hussen, a Speech-language Pathologist assistant at Fitzgerald elementary. Nuha 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.
Nuha Hussen is a passionate Special Education teacher assistant and speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA/TA) at Fitzgerald Elementary School in Woodbridge, Virginia. In her role, she works with K-5 students with a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, and speech-language impairments. Though she has only one year of teaching experience, Nuha’s dedication to her students and their success is evident in every aspect of her work. She is currently applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, run by the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference, to further support her efforts in creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment for her students.
For Nuha, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is about creating a fun, welcoming, and engaging classroom that caters to each student’s unique learning needs. She believes that making learning enjoyable and accessible is key to helping her students thrive, especially those with special needs. Nuha understands that students with autism, ADHD, and speech-language impairments may struggle to engage with traditional teaching methods, so she works tirelessly to make her classroom an environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to learn. By incorporating fun, interactive, and creative teaching strategies, she ensures that her students can connect with the material in ways that resonate with them, making learning an enjoyable experience rather than a challenge.
In her classroom, Nuha applies a variety of techniques to support her students’ learning. She uses visual aids, hands-on activities, and individualized strategies to meet each student’s needs. For students with speech-language impairments, Nuha uses communication tools and alternative ways to express thoughts and feelings. She fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and feel heard. Nuha’s approach goes beyond simply teaching academic content; it is about building relationships, offering emotional support, and empowering students to feel confident in their abilities.
The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would significantly impact Nuha’s ability to create a more enriched and supportive learning environment. With additional funding, she could invest in more specialized resources, communication tools, and educational materials that would directly benefit her students. These resources would not only help her better understand her students but also enable her to provide them with more personalized support and opportunities for growth. Ultimately, this grant would help Nuha deepen her connection with her students and improve their learning experiences.
Nuha has already seen remarkable progress with her students, and one success story stands out in particular. Recently, one of her students, who had struggled to express their emotions, made significant strides in communication. This student, who had previously found it difficult to verbalize their feelings, was able to use words for the first time to express their emotions. The breakthrough was not only a monumental moment for the student but also for Nuha, who had worked tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment where this child could feel comfortable enough to open up. Watching this student find their voice and communicate their feelings was a powerful reminder of why Nuha chose this path—because every student deserves the opportunity to express themselves and be understood.
This success story is a testament to Nuha’s unwavering dedication to her students and her belief in the power of teaching in ways that align with how each student learns best. Through patience, creativity, and individualized support, Nuha has helped her students take significant steps forward, and she continues to be an advocate for their success. With the help of the Kerry Magro Grant, she hopes to further enhance her classroom, ensuring that her students have the tools they need to communicate, learn, and grow in a positive and empowering environment.
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.
