Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

As mothers of young children and teachers of elementary students with special needs, all varying within the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the role of “educator” is a position we hold with the utmost respect, passion, and diligence for success. Knowing the high expectations of the families, the community and ourselves, we face the new school year with an excitement comparable to that of a child’s first visit to Disney World.  Our hopes and expectations for a year of personal triumphs and academic successes from our students are worn on our sleeves, along with our hearts. This is not a job to be taken, unless it is felt in your heart.  We strive to provide our classes of eight and nine students with new experiences and challenges that will foster growth socially and academically.  Research provides pros and cons to the “self-contained” classroom, but we know as teachers in such an environment that our students are there to receive the same experience that we expect our own children to receive in their general education classrooms- a safe, caring, learning environment with high expectations for performance.