Vania Houston, an Education Specialist at San Diego Global Vision Academy, has spent the last three years working passionately to create a classroom environment that celebrates the uniqueness of each student. As a special education teacher for middle school students with diverse needs, including autism, epilepsy, Down syndrome, and ADHD, Vania is deeply committed to finding the best ways to connect with her students and help them thrive. Her approach is grounded in the belief that teaching must be individualized to meet the specific learning needs and strengths of each child.
For Vania, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” means forging connections between what her students already enjoy and the academic content they are learning. “Individualization is key,” Vania says. “Being able to bridge connections my students already love and enjoy to the things they are learning are our way into their world. This is a kick start that allows them to build more understanding and purpose.” She understands that when learning is tied to a personal interest or a meaningful connection, it not only fosters engagement but also gives students the confidence to take on new challenges. This connection, she believes, is the foundation for building both academic and social-emotional growth.
At San Diego Global Vision Academy, Vania teaches a small group of students, focusing on multiple subjects tailored to their individual needs. Her classroom is an intimate space, designed to provide a personalized, supportive environment where her students can excel. The school itself is a small charter institution that offers the flexibility to focus on each student’s strengths and interests. Students attend parts of their general education classes based on where their strengths align, allowing them to engage with their peers in areas where they can succeed.
Vania’s philosophy of teaching is not just about supporting her students within her classroom—it’s about creating an inclusive, compassionate community that extends beyond the classroom walls. “Teaching other students around them to see that eye of opportunity as well as other staff will create a more inclusive community,” she explains. Her goal is to build understanding not just within her own class, but across the entire school, fostering a supportive environment where all students are valued and encouraged to thrive.
The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, which Vania is applying for, would help her continue to nurture this inclusive environment. The funds would allow her to purchase essential resources, such as an iPad for students who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. This iPad would be used both to model communication and as a loaner for students who forget or need a charged device on certain days. Additionally, Vania plans to use the grant to launch a snack cart project, offering her students the opportunity to gain practical financial literacy skills while engaging more directly with school staff and their peers. This project would allow students to develop a sense of responsibility and independence while making meaningful contributions to the school community.
A success story from Vania’s classroom perfectly illustrates the power of connection and the strength of the community she has fostered. One day, one of her students, who had just begun using a gait trainer, took his first steps with it. Another student, noticing this milestone, grabbed an iPad to play music in celebration. She walked over to the student using the gait trainer, and with his permission, filmed a video of the moment. “He asked if I could send the video to his mom because he was so proud of how far she had come,” Vania recalls. The moment was not just a personal victory for the student, but a powerful demonstration of the community Vania has cultivated. “The community we have built is strong,” she says, “and this extends beyond the classroom. It’s present on the playground, in the lunch area, and throughout their general education classrooms.” This moment of empathy and celebration, Vania explains, shows the incredible strength of the relationships students have formed with each other, a vital part of their emotional and social development.
Vania’s dedication to her students goes beyond just meeting academic goals. She is committed to creating an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential, not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. The community she has built in her classroom is one where students learn to support and celebrate one another, and this is evident in every interaction they have, whether it’s during a learning activity, on the playground, or at lunchtime.
The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant would provide invaluable support for Vania’s classroom and her efforts to create an even more inclusive and engaging learning environment for her students. With the help of this grant, Vania will be able to continue fostering the connections that allow her students to thrive both academically and socially. Through her innovative approach, dedication, and unwavering belief in her students, Vania Houston exemplifies the powerful impact of individualized education and the importance of building a compassionate and inclusive community.
