As we honor Neurodivergent November in this issue of On the FastTrack, the Public Education Foundation shines a spotlight on Adrian Garcia, a dedicated mentee blazing a trail toward licensure as a Special Professional Teacher Assistant (SPTA). Adrian’s story highlights the power of inclusion, resilience, and the profound impact educators can have on every student’s unique journey.
Finding a Calling: From Personal Care to the Classroom
Adrian’s pathway into education began with three years as a Personal Care Attendant, where he gained firsthand experience supporting individuals with special needs. Encouraged by a longtime friend and local teacher, Adrian discovered the opportunity to apply his skills in a school setting. “I was not aware this was a possible option for me,” Adrian recalls. “When I started working as a SPTA, I realized this was the best place to apply my PCA skills while also being able to do so much more.” Now, Adrian is on the path to licensure, grateful for the chance to make a difference in the school district.
Discovering the Teacher Within
It wasn’t until Adrian stepped into the school district that the desire to teach truly took root. A pivotal moment came when a teacher shared a story about transforming a student’s tendency to throw objects into an opportunity for skill-building and self-feeding. “This made me realize that students may have other untapped skills,” Adrian shares. “I was amazed by all the stories teachers shared, making me want to be a part of our students’ success.”
Inspired by Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent November is about celebrating the strengths and talents that neurodiverse individuals bring to our schools and communities. Adrian finds inspiration in many neurodivergent individuals, especially a longtime friend who has taught in CCSD for nine years. “They pride themselves on effective communication and finding different teaching methods for students who need a little more help. They made me think about my own communication skills and how to adapt my teaching methods in the future.”
Embracing Inclusion: The Mission at John F. Miller
For Adrian, John F. Miller’s mission—to create an inclusive educational experience that empowers each child’s unique journey—means making sure every child has the accommodations they need to thrive. “Accessibility is the most critical component of student success,” Adrian emphasizes. Individualized teaching methods and adaptive tools, like Big Mac buttons or head movements for yes/no questions, enable every student to reach their full potential.
The Impact of Educators
Adrian believes educators are foundational to student success, serving as advocates, collaborators, and pillars of support. “Educators build the foundation that students need to thrive inside and outside of the classroom.”
Balancing Work, Life, and Learning
Pursuing licensure through the Undergraduate Apprenticeship program requires careful balance. Adrian dedicates time after work for studies and manages classwork to preserve personal time: “My mindset is all about focusing on myself and my future career. I try to keep learning entertaining so I can look forward to schoolwork.”
The Power of Professional Development and Mentoring
Adrian values professional development and the wisdom that comes from collaborating with fellow educators. “It’s essential to be humble and open to learning something new every day. Every teacher may have different experiences, and their wisdom is a wonderful resource for effective teaching.”
Training, Routine, and Student Success
Drawing from personal care experience and educator mentorship, Adrian understands that accessibility, accommodations, and repetition are keys to student success. “Students in special education thrive off of routine, consistency, and repetition. Teachers have shared that students are more likely to learn in the security of a consistent routine.”
The Joy of Teaching
For Adrian, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing students’ progress—no matter how small. “Teachers and their aides give students the confidence to practice their skills. Being able to observe their progress, however small, is a wonderful thing to witness.”
Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Identity
Adrian counts himself fortunate to have faced few barriers on the path to licensure, aside from the universal struggle with procrastination. More personally, he shares, “I am profoundly deaf in both ears and am very involved in my local deaf and hard of hearing community. I do not consider my deafness an obstacle, but rather a different ability. True obstacles only arose from others’ unwillingness to provide accessibility. It’s a priority for me to ensure all of my students have accessibility in my classroom.”
Becoming Fluent in American Sign Language
Adrian’s journey with American Sign Language (ASL) began in childhood and deepened over the years. “I believe ASL is a huge part of my deaf identity. The concept of ASL came to me naturally, and staying connected with my deaf/hard of hearing friends helped me become fluent.”
Advice for Aspiring Special Educators
Adrian encourages those considering a career in Special Education to gain firsthand experience as an aide or substitute teacher before committing. “Anyone can be a special education teacher as long as they’ve got the heart and dedication. Students in special education deserve fully committed teachers willing to do what it takes to help them thrive.”
FastTrack Recruit: Fueling the Journey
Adrian’s experience with Teacher FastTrack Recruit has been enlightening: “It allowed me to explore academic options and learn I could take the Praxis exam earlier than expected. I appreciate the resources available to help me progress.”
The Power of Mentorship
Support from mentors has been invaluable for Adrian. “My mentor works with students on the autism spectrum and has always reassured me she’s just a message away. Her encouragement and wisdom have been a constant source of support.”
