This month’s Guest Blogger is Theresa Corleto. She began her career at Mary Cariola in 2010 as a Special Education Teacher. She has taught students ages 12-21 of all ability levels and behavioral needs. Theresa joined the Transition Team in 2019, working collaboratively with teachers to introduce students to transition services, accommodate their strengths and interests, and help them gain vital life skills.
As part of our Transition Program, Theresa Corleto (left) enjoys getting students into the community and bringing community activities into the classroom.
As I sit down to begin writing, it’s hard not to realize that almost exactly 3 years ago, everyone’s world shifted. My entire life felt like it was in a transition that year, personally and professionally. I left the classroom after 10 years, a place that was very familiar to me, and joined the Transition Team at Mary Cariola. I purchased my first home and COVID happened. None of those things were predictable, easy, or guaranteed. Educators, including me, had to figure out how to be dynamic educators from our kitchen tables and whether we were in our 1st year or 35th year, we all had one thing in common: we had to pivot.
When we returned to in person learning in September 2020, much of what we “used to do” was put to a screeching halt. Schools weren’t the only place that struggled to return to pre-Covid times. OPWDD and adult agencies were greatly impacted as well. This impacted our students that were approaching graduation, limiting their post-secondary options. More than ever, these adult agencies were our compass and we had to work very closely with them to meet their needs in order to meet our student’s needs. Again, we had to pivot.
Reflecting on the last 3 years, it’s hard to adequately put everything that’s changed into words. This is the first school year in a post-Covid world that feels “normal.” Several students got to explore the wonders of The Rochester Museum and Science Center. Classrooms assembled Blessing Bags that were then delivered by students to the Open Door Mission and Ronald McDonald House. Trips to Wegmans and BJ’s have become a regular occurrence to purchase supplies for the vending machines and school store—and then some students learned to stock the drinks and snacks! Four students have excelled in their employment training programs. The JCC welcomed us to their family pool for swimming. We have even brought the community to school—musical ensembles, dance groups, theatre experiences, holiday concerts, art therapy, and fire safety lessons.
When I write that all down, I can’t help but be humbled by the work we’ve done. We may have had to change course many times over the last 3 years, but it has been positive and impactful for our students and staff. I often say that our students have taught me so much more than I could ever teach them and there is not a day that goes by where that doesn’t ring true. To be a part of the Transition Team and to share the community through the eyes of our students is what keeps me motivated and hopeful that we will only continue to evolve. Change isn’t always easy. What makes my job so special is that we aren’t afraid to pivot.
For more information and resources from the transition team, please visit our page at www.marycariola.org/transitionprogram
