This spotlight is of Courtney Jones, an MSD Teacher at Pulaski Elementary. Courtney 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.
Courtney Jones is a dedicated educator who teaches students with moderate to severe disabilities at Pulaski Elementary School in Eubank, Kentucky. With seven years of teaching experience, Courtney has built a reputation for her deep commitment to her students, who range from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. As she applies for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, managed by KFM Making a Difference, Courtney hopes to further enhance her classroom and continue her mission of providing personalized, hands-on learning opportunities for her students.
For Courtney, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” goes beyond simply following a curriculum—it’s about building meaningful connections. She believes that establishing a relationship with her students is the key to their academic success. Before introducing any academic material, Courtney prioritizes forming strong bonds with her students, especially as many of them are nonverbal and rely heavily on trust and communication. She knows that once that connection is made, her students are more likely to engage with the curriculum and retain what they learn. By tailoring lessons to each student’s needs and following the accommodations in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Courtney ensures that her students can access the general education curriculum in a way that works for them.
In her classroom, Courtney uses a variety of tools to support her students’ learning. Detailed visual schedules help students navigate their day independently, while communication boards—both large and individualized—allow for nonverbal students to express their needs. Reward systems, flexible seating options, and sensory tools are also an integral part of her classroom environment, ensuring that her students can learn in a way that meets their sensory and emotional needs. For Courtney, offering accommodations such as extended learning time and modified materials is essential for creating an inclusive classroom where every child has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Despite these efforts, Courtney faces significant challenges. Pulaski County does not provide a curriculum for MSD teachers, and this has led Courtney to personally invest thousands of dollars each year to purchase materials for her students. While many teachers have access to new activities and materials every year, Courtney’s students often find themselves working with the same resources year after year. To ensure her students stay engaged and continue to grow, she recognizes the need for new materials to refresh her classroom each year. The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would provide Courtney with the funding to purchase new resources and activities for her students, allowing her to provide them with the varied and dynamic learning experiences they deserve.
Courtney’s greatest success as a teacher has been knowing that the families of her students trust her. Many of the students she works with are nonverbal, and for their families, the decision to send their child to school can be difficult. Courtney has worked hard to build relationships with each of her students’ families, ensuring them that their child is safe, loved, and well cared for in her classroom. As an advocate for her students, Courtney understands the importance of keeping an open line of communication with parents, which helps her better understand each child’s needs and progress. Her passion for her students and her work as an educator is evident in the trust families place in her care, and this relationship is something she values deeply.
Courtney’s own experiences have shaped her understanding of the importance of connection in special education. Having a brother with severe disabilities, she has a personal connection to the emotional challenges families face when sending their children with special needs to school. This empathy drives her commitment to making her classroom a place where families feel confident and comfortable leaving their children. Her goal is to always ensure that every family knows their child is safe, loved, and learning to the best of their ability. Courtney believes that by putting relationships first, she can create an environment where her students can thrive, and this trust allows them to make progress in their education.
For Courtney, the chance to receive the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would be an invaluable opportunity to expand the learning experiences for her students. It would provide her with the tools and resources needed to continue fostering meaningful relationships with her students, while also supporting their academic and personal growth. Through her dedication, empathy, and tireless efforts, Courtney Jones is creating a safe and nurturing space where her students can thrive, build trust, and succeed in their educational journey.
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.
