Communicating with staff, students, and families as well as administering and reflecting on student assessments are some of the ways he prepares and implements lessons to meet the needs of multi-sensory learners. Donnie believes that incorporating manipulatives, technology, and thematic units to connect lessons to the students through their areas of interest based on real-life applications is a key ingredient for making education meaningful.
Donnie and his family moved to the beautiful western North Carolina area, bringing years of experience teaching and serving in the Chicago Public Schools as well as a Chicago Public Charter school. While in Chicago, Donnie earned a Master Teacher Certification status for Exceptional Needs (2012), completed the rigorous National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood program (2010), and holds a Master’s Degree in Education from DePaul University (2002). Donnie is committed to pursuing ongoing professional development in teaching and learning as well as staying connected to current educational practices.
In his free time, Donnie likes spending time with his family, fly fishing, riding his motorcycle, and making art. Donnie is recognized as an unwavering advocate for all students, with a firm believe that all can achieve at exceptionally high levels when given the opportunity to do so.