Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1103796
" Teaching students like Joey is a way that I can give back. And as the mother of a disabled son, I can relate to what parents are going through." —Gianna Alexander she still visits and helps strengthen Joey's connection to the outside world. She and his family have been on field trips to a bowling alley, a Jelly Belly factory, music concerts, theatrical plays, the Chabot Space and Science Center, the C.A.S.T for Kids fishing program, and even school dances and proms. "I don't want him to become isolated from the world," she explains. Joey loves using an iPad, so Alexander used life skills computer programs that are engaging. She worked with him to practice the skills that he was studying after seeing short video presentations on topics such as how to order food in a restaurant, make a sandwich, create a shopping list, fold laundry, and under- stand the value of coins and dollar bills. As a mother of an adult son who is quadriplegic, Alexander has the skill set and empathy to make a difference in the lives of medically fragile students and their families. "Teaching students like Joey is a way that I can give back," says Alexander, who currently homeschools three students with special needs. "I definitely have a special rapport with these students. And as the mother of a disabled son, I can relate to what parents are going through." Alexander formerly tutored children in homeless shelters and foster homes. She enjoyed it so much, she decided to earn her teaching credential in special educa- tion and help with the homeschooling of students too ill to attend school. "I get more out of teaching medically fragile students than you can imagine. We have a strong conn ection . S om e- times I'm tired from teaching all day and doing IEPs. But when I go to my students' homes and they're so excited to see me, it's totally worth it. It warms my heart." 22 cta.org Spotlight M E M B E R P R O F I L E sandiego.edu/educatorprograms Contact Us Today! continuingedsandiego.edu Ignite Your Passion for Reading Read, Empower, Act, Discover (R.E.A.D.) Use books to launch critical dialogue on today's issues and concerns that affect our schools. Travel the World Travel, Learn, Teach Series Turn your travels into creative learning enhancements that help students make real world connections.