30
Dedicated Teachers
Ädelbrook's Learning Centers
Hear from Paola Papa about the comprehensive, individualized approach to student learning at Ädelbrook Learning Centers.
Meet Paola Papa
Teacher Ambassador
Adelbrook is committed to offering the most comprehensive individualized program to every student. As an educator, you are surrounded by passionate professionals whose main goal is to support their students. Being a part of an innovative and motivated team helps reinforce continuous education in various practices, as well as collaboration and personal and professional growth. Every student’s success is celebrated by the entire Adelbrook community. The support given to educators, staff members and the growing number of students at the school is one of the many reasons I love working at Adelbrook.
Teaching
- 9-12th grade Special Education teacher
Awards
- 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year
Teacher Certification Program
Why I Teach
My inspiration for teaching started at a young age. However wanting to be a special education teacher was one that came about later in my own educational career. Early on, I knew that I wanted to help others in any possible way that I could. I enjoyed school but it did not come easy for me. I knew that when I was older, I wanted to help students access all the information they needed to learn in a way that is most beneficial for them, at their level and with their learning styles.
In college, I was exposed to a variety of disabilities and the levels of need each required. I easily concluded that I wanted to be a special education teacher in a school with students with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other disabilities. As an educator, I teach to help support individuals who may not always access information in a typical or easy way. I enjoy being surrounded by other professionals who are passionate, creative, supportive and constantly bringing new ideas to the table. I teach to continue my education each day, both with my students, who teach me more than anything I could read in a textbook, and with colleagues, in passing or through team meetings or professional learning communities. Each small success accomplished by a student on a daily or weekly basis inspires me to continue working in this field and with this population.
Ädelbrook's Learning Centers by the numbers
150
Engaged Learners
53,000
New Teacher Starting Salary
About Ädelbrook's Learning Centers
- About
Ädelbrook’s Learning Centers are private special education programs certified by the State Department of Education to serve students with autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional and learning disabilities between grades PK-12. Ädelbrook’s Transitional Academies, for students ages 18–21, focus on life-long learning, life skills and employment proficiencies through meaningful work experiences and community engagement.
Our educational program has 180 traditional school days, 34 days of extended school year in the summer, and five professional development days. This allows us to provide continuous support to the children and youth we serve and teach.
For more information on becoming a member of the Ädelbrook team, please contact Fatima Silva at 860-635-0330, extension 202.
- For Teachers
Ädelbrook's Learning Centers are transforming student lives through relevant, rigorous and innovative practices that foster personalized growth, independence, success and a sense of community by emphasizing the following key learning standards:
- Learning is built on the Individual Educational Plan that includes the student's disability, placement and academic and behavioral goals.
- Learning includes Total Communication that focuses significantly on increasing the young person’s ability to communicate.
- Learning includes a STREAM approach that focuses on the integration of the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics whereby students will learn by doing, experiencing and constructing meaning.
- Involvement in Transitional Programs offer opportunities for developing customized transition plans, transition education and vocational training.
- Salary, Compensation & Benefits
Salary range depends on degree, certification, and experience.
Benefits include:
- Affordable medical and dental insurance
- Employer contribution to a health savings account
- Matching 403-B retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid life insurance
- Student loan reimbursement program
- Paid time off
Start Your Journey
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