At Midwest City High School, Ruthanna Reardon stands out as a dedicated Deaf Ed Para/Interpreter, bringing compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to empowering her students. With just one year of experience in the classroom, Ruthanna has already made a significant impact on the lives of the students she serves, many of whom face challenges that go beyond the classroom. Ruthanna is currently applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist and Aide Grant, a program run by KFM Making a Difference, to further enhance her ability to meet the needs of her students and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive.
Ruthanna’s teaching philosophy centers around one core belief: “Teaching the way our students learn.” For her, this means creating an environment where every student’s unique learning style is honored and where their individual needs are met with patience and creativity. Ruthanna works closely with students who have a wide range of needs, including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Deafness, epilepsy, panic attacks, low vision, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of adaptive physical education, as she believes that all students, regardless of their abilities, deserve the chance to engage in physical activity and to experience joy through movement.
One of the significant challenges Ruthanna faces in her role is the high turnover rate for Adaptive PE coaches, which can make it difficult to maintain consistency in the physical education curriculum. But Ruthanna, along with her team of paraeducators, has found ways to work around this obstacle by tapping into something her students love: music and dance. Many of the students in her care are motivated by rhythm and movement, so Ruthanna and her team have introduced step dances and cheerleading routines. The results have been remarkable. While the students are less enthusiastic about traditional team sports like kickball and basketball, they engage eagerly when music is incorporated into the activities. Ruthanna knows that when students are given the tools and environment that cater to their learning preferences, they are more likely to participate and succeed.
The Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist and Aide Grant will allow Ruthanna to further enrich her students’ experiences by providing critical resources like sensory tools, adaptive technology, and classroom modifications. Ruthanna hopes to introduce a variety of activities—such as yoga, Zumba, soccer, and volleyball—into the Adaptive PE curriculum, with the goal of helping her students improve their coordination, physical health, and mental well-being. Additionally, Ruthanna believes that collaboration between special education students and their general education peers can foster inclusion and social skills. A buddy system, where general education students assist their peers in PE and during lunch, has proven successful at other schools in the district, and Ruthanna is eager to implement this model at Midwest City High School.
The grant would provide essential tools to make this vision a reality. A Bluetooth speaker system, for example, would allow students, including those who are Deaf, to both hear and feel the music, enhancing their engagement in physical activities. Similarly, a new HVAC system would help create a comfortable learning environment, especially in the gymnasium, where students often struggle with temperature extremes.
Ruthanna’s dedication to her students is evident in the personal connections she has cultivated with them, especially with one Deaf student who faces significant communication challenges. This student also has intellectual and physical disabilities, which make it difficult for them to express themselves and connect with peers. Ruthanna uses a combination of visual aids, social stories, and creative strategies like incorporating silly dance moves into the classroom to help her students feel more at ease and understand the daily schedule. Through this, the student has shown progress in their ability to communicate and has taken small but meaningful steps toward social interaction and connection with their peers.
These moments of success are a testament to Ruthanna’s ability to think outside the box and to meet her students where they are. It’s not just about teaching academics; it’s about building trust, fostering social connections, and empowering students to believe in themselves. Ruthanna’s impact goes beyond lesson plans—it’s about shaping a learning environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported.
As Ruthanna applies for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist and Aide Grant, she remains deeply committed to providing the best possible learning experiences for her students. With this grant, Ruthanna will be able to provide even more opportunities for her students to thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially. By continuing to teach in a way that aligns with her students’ unique needs, Ruthanna is not only helping them reach their full potential but also setting an example of what it means to be an advocate, a mentor, and a friend.
For Ruthanna, the journey as an educator is just beginning, and she is excited for the future of her students, knowing that with the right resources, support, and creativity, they will continue to succeed.
