Samantha Brady is the Elementary School Special Education (ESSE) program teacher, a program dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment and building a community where every student feels valued and understood.

 

In this interview, Samantha shares more ESSE program and speaks about her role in creating these rich and joyful learning environments for students with special needs.

 

 

“In the ESSE class, students are receiving what they need academically, socially and emotionally, and work on foundational and life skills,” Samantha shares. At the same time, students in the ESSE classroom are also immersed in the General Education classroom, which plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of inclusion throughout the school. “It promotes a better sense of community for both students and parents,” Samantha says. ESSE students are integrated into all school events and celebrations, ensuring they form a broader peer group. This integration can be seen in school events such as the Spring Concert, where every ESSE student participates on stage alongside their peers, but also during celebrations or collaborative activities with General Education classes. As Samantha shares, “differences are acknowledged but celebrated, which helps create an environment where all students learn to adapt and support one another.” In ESSE, each student receives an individualized education, tailored to their specific needs, even if they are in the same grade.

 

Safe spaces are essential across any learning environment. Led by the practice of inclusion, Samantha makes sure General Education teachers and students feel safe to ask questions and learn about different abilities to encourage open communication and more understanding. “No question is off-limits. I make sheets with tips and tricks, and show how they can handle different social situations that may occur,” she says. This kind of openness allows more understanding and communication about disabilities that inevitably helps build a safer and tighter learning environment.

 

The collaboration between the ESSE program and General Education is particularly important to help break down barriers and eliminate labels. As Samatha shared, “the goal is for the ESSE classroom to be seen as just another classroom, not a separate entity.”

 

Samantha envisions a school-wide mindset that embraces inclusion. This involves educating and providing opportunities for the ASH community to understand how to implement social-emotional strategies and modify lesson plans - many of which are already used in the ESSE program. Samantha says that professional development and collaboration among teachers is essential to maintaining open conversations, sharing knowledge on special needs, and creating a safe and joyful learning environment for all students.

 

 

Reflecting on her journey as an ESSE teacher, Samantha shares that she learns the most from her students. She practices what she teaches, adapting and finding engaging ways for students to learn. Building connections with parents is crucial, as it intertwines home and school life, ensuring open communication.

 

"I like to have fun, and I think the kids keep work very fun. Every day, we’re laughing. We are learning a lot, but we really enjoy making education more fun."

 

Samantha finds the most rewarding aspect of her job in witnessing the small successes that significantly impact her students' lives. “Whether it's learning to tie shoes or understanding addition, these achievements have long-lasting effects,” she says. Teaching social interactions, such as making friends, also plays a crucial role in their overall development.

 

Looking ahead, Samantha plans to continue fostering collaboration between divisions and promoting the ESSE program as an integral part of the school. She aims to take students on more community outings, such as museum visits and field trips. These excursions provide valuable educational experiences and teach essential social and functional skills, like using public transportation, communicating effectively, and managing money.

 

Through her dedication and inclusive approach, Samantha Brady continues to make a profound difference in the lives of her students, ensuring they feel included, supported, and prepared for the future.