This spotlight is of Cari Hamner, a Teachers Assistant for Simpson Elementary School. Cari is applying for The 2024 Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, and you can read more about my organization here.
Cari Hamner is a dedicated Teacher’s Assistant in the Physically Impaired Classroom at Simpson Elementary School in Arnold, Missouri. With two years of experience, Cari works closely with students who have a variety of special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, and emotional disturbance. As she applies for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant through KFM Making a Difference, Cari reflects on her journey as an educator and how the grant could further support her students’ growth and development.
For Cari, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is rooted in building relationships and discovering what works best for each student. She understands that every child is unique, and learning how to meet them where they are is essential to their success. Cari emphasizes that some students may not be able to complete tasks in the traditional way, such as writing, but they can still achieve success through different methods. For example, if writing is a challenge, Cari might have students trace with their fingers, providing them with a sensory approach that suits their learning style. By adapting to each child’s needs, Cari is able to help them progress and gain confidence in their abilities.
In her classroom, Cari works with a small group of students, providing individualized attention and support. There are currently three students in her care, each with their own set of challenges and strengths. The classroom is designed to be a safe, welcoming, and adaptive environment where the students can learn and thrive despite their physical and emotional barriers. However, like many teachers in similar classrooms, Cari faces the challenge of limited resources. The school provides some materials, but to ensure her students have access to the best tools for learning, Cari often invests her personal time and funds into purchasing additional equipment. This is why the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would be a game changer for her classroom. With the grant, Cari would be able to purchase more sensory toys and hands-on equipment, helping her students stay engaged and focused while also addressing their sensory needs. These additions would make a significant impact in creating a more enriching and accessible learning environment for the students she cares for.
Cari’s greatest success in the classroom is the deep, trusting relationship she has built with one of her students, a young boy with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the challenges he faces, Cari has worked tirelessly to connect with him and support his growth. She loves spending time with him, especially during craft activities, where she’s seen him develop new skills and express himself in creative ways. Working with this student has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Cari’s career, as she has witnessed firsthand the power of patience, trust, and connection in fostering growth. It’s clear to Cari that every small achievement—whether it’s completing a craft or simply engaging in a new activity—is a huge step forward for her students, and she is honored to be a part of their journey.
For Cari, teaching is more than just a job; it’s a calling. She knows that by providing a nurturing and supportive environment, she is helping her students build the confidence they need to succeed in their lives. The opportunity to receive the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would allow her to further enhance the classroom experience for her students, ensuring that they continue to grow, learn, and thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.
Have Dr. Kerry Magro give a student assembly, staff development for your educators or a parent talk for your parents by contacting him here for more details.
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My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
