I teach students with Autism

Johnny S.

My name is Johnny S. and I am a certified teacher in the state of Maine for grades K-8. I started my teaching career in the afterschool setting in 2008, where I focused mainly on teaching exciting science. We made our share of baking soda volcanoes and rockets, something I still enjoy doing today. I also taught an afterschool robotics class, where we worked with Lego NXT sets and had robot battles. Who said learning can't be fun, right? I then enrolled in my Masters program at CUNY-Brooklyn College where I earned my teaching degree with a specialization in science education. Upon moving to Maine with my wife, I found myself offered a teaching position for students with Autism, an opportunity I could not refuse. I worked in this program until the Spring of 2024, and loved every second of it. I have a conditional certification for Special Education, something I am still working towards finishing up.
My method for teaching is student-centered, and I prefer using the workshop method where students are encouraged to try different methods until they find the one that is right for them. I enjoy helping students learn they way in which they are most comfortable, and I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to learn in an environment that is not suitable for the student.
My main focus for the past five years has been working with students grades 2-5 that have difficulty in the mainstream setting. Past students of mine have gone from reading CVC words (cat, bat, hat, etc.) to reading novels within the space of just a year. My teaching method works for many students with behavioral issues, or students that just feel "stuck" or unable to learn in a traditional method.
I hope that I get the chance to work with you!