Words and Image by Jenny Lynn Davis
Memorial Park Elementary School Principal Eric Rigsby recently expressed his appreciation for the school’s special education teachers, Lindsey Appling and Jana Jackson.
According to Rigsby, both Appling and Jackson have consistently gone above and beyond for their students, demonstrating a level of dedication and hard work that is truly exceptional.
Special education teachers like Appling and Jackson play a critical role in helping students that face significant challenges with learning to reach their full potential. These teachers often handle unique situations and must be skilled at tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.
Despite these challenges, Appling and Jackson have demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with their students and help them thrive.
“Every day is different, and every student is different. Our instruction is individualized based on the student’s particular situation,” Appling says. “And the approach can change day to day for an individual student. Every student learns differently, they all have different home lives. Sometimes their needs are academic, sometimes they’re emotional. Regardless, we’re here to support them through it all.”
In addition to their work in the classroom, Appling and Jackson have also been active in promoting inclusion throughout the school community. Their efforts have helped to create a more supportive environment for all students, regardless of their abilities.
“Our goal is to make sure our students go home every day feeling loved and supported by all of us adults, classroom teachers, lunchroom staff, and administration, in the building, and knowing they have us standing behind them,” Jackson says.
Rigsby also notes that the hard work and dedication of teachers like Appling and Jackson are what make Memorial Park Elementary School such a special place, and that he is grateful for their contributions and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to have on their students and the school community as a whole. WL
