This spotlight is of Marshelle Taylor, Teacher/ABA for My Angels Child Development Center. Marshelle 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.
Marshelle Taylor’s work as a Teacher/ABA at My Angels Child Development Center in Bessemer, Alabama, is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and ready to thrive. With three years of experience working with Pre-K children, Marshelle has focused her career on supporting young learners, including those with Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Now, she is applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, hoping to expand the resources available in her classroom and provide even more opportunities for her students to succeed.
For Marshelle, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is central to her teaching approach. In the world of special education, this philosophy takes on a deeper meaning—one that recognizes the individuality of each student and adapts the teaching style to best meet their unique needs. Marshelle believes that every child learns differently, and it’s her responsibility to understand those differences and create a learning environment that is as inclusive and supportive as possible.
This approach, for Marshelle, is not just about differentiating lessons—it’s about creating an entire classroom culture that embraces every student’s learning style. She incorporates a variety of strategies to make learning more accessible, from visual aids to hands-on activities and technology. By fostering an inclusive environment, she ensures that her students not only gain academic skills but also develop important social skills by interacting with their peers. She works closely with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure her students receive the personalized instruction they need, while also incorporating elements that motivate them, like hands-on learning stations and engaging activities.
Marshelle understands that success in the classroom goes beyond traditional assessments. Encouraging self-advocacy is a key part of her teaching philosophy. She helps her students understand their own learning processes, fostering independence and confidence as they advocate for their needs. This approach not only enhances academic outcomes but also ensures that every student feels respected and empowered in their educational journey.
One of the most impactful aspects of Marshelle’s classroom is its physical layout. She has intentionally designed the space to be sensory-friendly and engaging for all students, including those with special needs. Her classroom features various learning zones, such as a quiet corner for sensory breaks, a reading nook with comfortable seating, and interactive stations for hands-on learning. This thoughtful setup allows her students to choose the space that best supports their individual learning styles, whether they need a calming environment or a more interactive, sensory-rich experience.
The 2024 Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would provide Marshelle with the additional resources needed to further enhance this environment. If granted, the funds would allow her to purchase specialized learning materials, adaptive technologies, and sensory tools to support her students’ individual needs. These resources would expand the sensory-friendly options in her classroom, helping each child engage with learning in a way that works for them, while also providing new ways to build their skills and confidence. With these additional tools, Marshelle will be able to create an even more enriched learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
A recent success story in Marshelle’s classroom speaks to the power of individualized teaching. One of her non-verbal students, who had been struggling to communicate, has made tremendous strides in recent months. Through the use of communication boards and consistent support, this student began to express their needs more clearly, first with gestures and then by using symbols and words. The most exciting moment came when the child independently requested a favorite toy using the communication board, marking a huge breakthrough in their ability to communicate. This moment of self-expression was not only a milestone for the student but also for Marshelle, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of creating a personalized, supportive environment for every child.
With the support of the Kerry Magro Grant, Marshelle will be able to build on these successes and continue her mission of providing the highest level of care and education for her students. By gaining access to more specialized resources, Marshelle will be able to further personalize the learning experience for each child, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For her, this grant isn’t just about expanding her classroom—it’s about expanding the possibilities for her students, helping them reach new heights of independence, communication, and achievement.
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.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram.
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.
