The most rewarding part of Rachel Stanley’s job is the little moments — a student completing self-care or life skills independently. “Those simple, tiny little achievements that would mean nothing to so many people, but it means so much to our kids,” she said.
As a Head Teacher at the Eden School, she sees firsthand how everyone at Eden comes together to support the students to help them through challenges and celebrate their successes. Throughout the day, she is in constant communication with her fellow teachers and colleagues from other departments to ensure students and staff are getting the support they need.
“From a teaching standpoint, it’s encouraging to know that in areas where I have less education, there are other professionals here that I can go to for help,” she said. “Areas like clinical, speech, and medical. Everyone is here in the building and wants to help.”
Rachel did not originally plan to have a career in special education. She got her degree in theology and human services. “I went into teaching religion, but I missed the service component,” she said. Teaching at Eden seemed like a good bridge between teaching and her human services degree.
When Rachel first learned about Eden, she was grateful that a place like this existed for children with autism and their families. “It was nothing that I had known existed or experienced before. Walking in and seeing that level of care and attention was so great,” she said.
The level of attention to detail helps students reach their full potential. Watching the students learn and grow has been rewarding for Rachel. Even the smallest moment, a student asking to do their favorite activity, is worthy of celebration.
“I think a common misconception for people outside of here is that everything that people with autism do needs to be specialized, but our kids really do enjoy sitting down and drawing, watching YouTube videos. They like doing kid things,” said Rachel.