Ryley Edmonson knows that, for her students, incremental improvements that others may consider mundane are important accomplishments. Edmonson leads STAR programming for students on the autism spectrum with high support needs at Kenwood Elementary School in Champaign, so she spends each day teaching her students to perform tasks independently and to deal with disruptions.
Edmonson is in her first year at the school after teaching in Urbana and spending time providing autism therapy in a clinical setting, and her impact is felt every day.
“Ryley creates a warm and safe learning environment where her students thrive,” Principal Trevor Nadrozny said. “She is thoughtful about incorporating her student’s interests into her lessons. Ms. Edmonson is always communicating with parents about the progress of her students, which is always appreciated. Kenwood is fortunate to have Ms. Edmonson as she leads by example and students rise to her high expectations.”
I find my work important because ... my students are mostly minimally verbal. They have so much brilliance and creativity that they can show others with the right support. Being able to provide that support to them, promote their independence and see the outcomes reminds me how much my students can do when we create affirming and structured classrooms.
I became a teacher because ... I loved learning at school as a kid, but struggled socially due to my own disabilities. I wanted students with disabilities to see that they can be successful, professional and happy while being disabled, and to help non-disabled students understand their peers better.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... I love teaching functional routines to students. Watching how much a visual schedule can change a child’s ability to navigate their day independently is amazing to see. Even something as basic as learning bathroom routines allows a student to gain so much independence and a sense of pride in themselves.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... my students show me independently what they can do. Many of my students struggle when schedules change or they can’t communicate what they need. Those moments when they show me they can navigate tough changes in their day or they find a way to safely communicate their needs are the reasons I teach.
I keep students engaged by ... taking into account their sensory needs while teaching, promoting positive relationships with the entire classroom team, maintaining routines as much as possible and giving them choices to promote autonomy.
Something else I’m passionate about is ... supporting my local community! I love supporting local stores, sharing information on local resources and helping local causes when I can.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was ... Mrs. Flugge at Central High School. She was my world history teacher for sophomore year. Her kindness and belief in me as a student helped motivate me to finish out high school. I loved art and history most in school.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be ... an artist or a social worker.
ANTHONY ZILIS