My name is Maggie Rich. I am a senior at East Syracuse Minoa High School, and I will be attending SUNY Geneseo this fall, majoring in Early Childhood Education. I am a student in our Early Childhood program, and I love starting every morning in a room full of fun-loving kids. Building relationships with the students has been my favorite and most memorable part. I also babysit three autistic children, two of whom are nonverbal. Additionally, I have a twin brother who is autistic. Growing up with neurodiversity all around me has made me want to make a difference in education, particularly for special education students.I am a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and I am the Vice President of SkillsUSA at our school. In my competition this year, I presented a lesson plan on a topic I was assigned an hour before. SkillsUSA was a great opportunity to see what my future workforce may look like. Being a student-athlete is alsosomething I am very passionate about. As a member of two varsity-level teams, I also coach 3rd-5th graders in color guard. Being well-rounded is an important trait to me.

My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student is capable of achieving their highest potential when provided with a supportive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. As an educator, I strive to cultivate a classroom atmosphere that is both nurturing and challenging, where students feel safe to explore, question, and grow.

I truly believe that education should be tailored to fit the unique needs of each student, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Each student brings a unique set of experiences, strengths, and needs to the classroom. This diversity is not just respected but celebrated. By recognizing and valuing the individuality of each student, I am committed to creating learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and accessible to all.

In my classroom, neurodiverse students will be treated with the same respect, dignity, and high expectations as their neurotypical peers. I understand that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of cognitive differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. These differences are not deficits but variations in the human experience that can contribute to a richer and more dynamic learning environment.

Creating an inclusive classroom involves more than just instructional strategies; it requires fostering a culture of acceptance and empathy. I actively promote social-emotional learning, encouraging students to develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills. By building a community where every student feels valued and understood, I aim to break down barriers and eliminate stigma associated with neurodiversity.

Assessment in my classroom will be holistic and ongoing, providing meaningful feedback that guides students' growth rather than simply measuring their performance against a standard benchmark. I will use formative assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Ultimately, my goal is to empower all students to become confident, curious, and compassionate individuals who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By embracing and supporting neurodiversity, we enrich the educational experience for everyone, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, my educational philosophy is centered on the belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their educational journey. By building strong relationships and treating neurodiverse students with the same respect and high expectations as all learners, I commit to an inclusive approach that honors the unique contributions of each individual and prepares them for lifelong success.

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit organization that helps students in middle school, high school, and college prepare for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations. I competed in the Early Childhood competition in both 2023 and 2024

At both regionals and states in 2023 I picked music and movement. I did the same lesson for both events which was called "Workout To The Letter Sounds." Students would get up and moving while also learning their letter sounds. For example, when they got to the letter B they would say "B" "Ba" "Baby" while also doing a workout. Skills was a great experiance that tought me things about teaching that I would otherwise not know untill later in life.  

At regionals in 2024 I placed 3rd in the Early Childhood competiton with my lesson on food and nutrition 

In April 2023 and June 2024 I Presented about our CTE programs at ESM to the Board of ed.