Model Teachers: Special Education
Meet this model teacher team and learn how college, career and citizen-ready skills come alive in their classrooms!
Kelly Thomas
Content: MID Self Contained
School: Carver Elementary
Years Taught: 11
Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
With a national shortage of teachers, veteran teachers need to advocate and support new teachers as much as possible.
What do you love most about teaching?
I feel like I'm an architect of the possibilities of human beings. As teachers, we are helping to shape the next generation of future leaders in their homes and in their communities.
Amanda Greenwood
Content: 3-5 MID
School: McIntosh Elementary
Years Taught: 7 total (2 in Special Education)
What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Organized chaos, with a splash of love, empathy, and self-advocacy!
Why do you love working in NNPS?
I am a proud NNPS teacher because through Newport News public schools I have been provided many of opportunities to grow and learn in my profession. I have been able to build relationships with colleagues on all different levels that have helped me find my niche and supported me to be the best I can be for the students who I am lucky enough to teach and learn alongside daily.
Megan Slade
Content: K-2 ASD
School: Knollwood Meadows Elementary
Years Taught: 5
What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is the pride a student feels when they finally understand something they've been working on. I also love getting to celebrate the little wins that each student experiences daily!
What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
On a typical day, my classroom is structured, while also giving students the freedom to be themselves and giving me flexibility if what I planned for the day isn't what the students need that day. For example, they may need a few extra minutes of quiet time if they are overstimulated.
Danielle Stappert
Content: K-2 ASD Self-Contained
School: Knollwood Meadows Elementary
Years Taught: 5
What do you love most about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is the relationships I get to build with my students. I love watching their growth and seeing how far they come through the year. I also truly enjoy building relationships with my parents. Being a special education teacher, I have the luxury of a smaller class size which allows me to talk to my parents on a more frequent basis. I believe that building relationships with my students and families is a top priority. Without trust, the students will not be able to learn as well.
What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
The energy in my classroom is calm. We like to have a good time with lots of structure and routine. We have a rotation of both small and large group lessons, and my students know what is expected of them at all times. I try to prevent having down time in order to prevent behaviors from arising.
Aaron Carter
Content: 3-5 Special Education
School: Stoney Run Elementary
Years Taught: 2
Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I began my teaching career in the Teacher in Residence (TIR) program. I wouldn’t have been able to become the teacher I am without the mentors and coaches that helped me. I would like to pay that forward.
What do you love most about teaching?
I love the potential to impact I have on a student’s life. Big or small, I make a difference. I love watching young lives develop knowing they are better off for what I have taught them.
Meet Our Model Teachers
Elementary School
Middle School