Kattie Thammas

タイトル Special education teacher
仕事場： Waihe‘e Elementary School
HIDOEでの年数： 5
ポジションでの年数 5

Special education teacher Kattie Thomas has integrated TeachTown into her classroom and her work with the CARE Project demonstrates her dedication to social-emotional growth and inclusive practices. She fosters a compassionate classroom culture, encouraging students to develop both academically and personally.

Q：あなたのキャリアパスについて簡単に説明してください。
A: I am a special education teacher dedicated to the belief that every student deserves access to a meaningful, hands-on curriculum regardless of their support needs. My path has focused on supporting students with complex behavioral and communication profiles through the lens of project-based learning. I am deeply passionate about fostering student independence by providing them with the tools to communicate effectively and engage in authentic learning opportunities that honor their individual strengths.”

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: My career in special education was sparked by my son, who has autism and was truly my first teacher in understanding neurodiversity. While he inspired my entry into the field, my commitment grew from the joy of the classroom itself. I’ve found a deep passion for creating predictable, trust-based environments where students know what to expect and feel safe to grow. There is nothing more rewarding than taking learning outside the traditional four walls and watching students make tangible progress through hands-on experiences and steady routines.

Q：主な職務は何ですか？
A: In my role as a skills-based special education teacher, my primary mission is to bridge the gap between functional independence and academic achievement. I focus on four key areas:

• Communication & Behavior: Developing individualized systems that empower students to express their needs and self-regulate.
• Standards-Based Access: Adapting core curriculum to ensure every student meets academic benchmarks through a Whole-Child approach.
• Independence: Building life skills that transition from the classroom to the community.
• Meaningful Engagement: Designing Project-Based Learning (PBL) units that turn abstract concepts into tangible, hands-on successes.”

My daily work is centered on the belief that students with complex needs thrive when they have a predictable, trusting environment. I lead a classroom where communication and behavior are viewed as the foundation for all learning. By utilizing Project-Based Learning, I provide my students with meaningful access to standards-based curriculum in a way that feels relevant to their lives. Ultimately, my goal is to foster the ‘whole child,’ ensuring they gain the independence and confidence to navigate the world around them.

Q: How does your job support students?
A: In a skills-based classroom, I support my students by:

• Empowering Communication: Giving them the tools to express their needs and thoughts.
• Fostering Stability: Creating predictable routines that reduce anxiety and improve behavioral outcomes.
• Increasing Access: Adapting state standards into hands-on, meaningful lessons that respect their learning style.
• Promoting Independence: Teaching the functional skills necessary for life beyond the classroom walls.

Q：あなたのポジションで最もやりがいのあることは？
A: The biggest challenge of my job is that not everyone sees what I see. I see the growth, the heart and the hard work my students put in every day. To me, a behavior never defines a student—it is just one part of their story. My mission is to advocate for my students so that the world sees their value and their potential, rather than just their obstacles.

Q：この仕事で好きなところは？
A: What I love most is the sense of community we build. I am passionate about using project-based learning and community outreach to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. For me, there is nothing better than having fun with the kids while watching them gain the skills and independence they need to succeed.

Q：このポジションを考えている人へのアドバイスは？
A: My best advice for anyone entering this field is to always look on the bright side and remember the phrase: “it’s okay.” In a skills-based classroom, progress isn’t always a straight line, and that is perfectly fine. Above all, lead with kindness and let your ‘North Star’ always be what is right for the student. If you stay student-centered and keep a positive outlook, the challenges become much easier to navigate.

Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: My perfect day involves salt water, sand, and my family by my side. I also firmly believe that most things in life can be improved with a great ice cream sundae!