Hawkswood School Welcomes "Future Teachers of America"

Eatontown, NJ – Hawkswood School, a private school serving children with disabilities, recently hosted more than a dozen high school students who spent the day learning about career options in special education.

The teens, all seniors from Middletown South High School, are part of “Future Teachers of America,” a national program that introduces top-performing high school students to a career in teaching.

“We are thrilled to welcome these future teachers to Hawkswood School to learn more about special education for students with multiple disabilities, and to watch our experienced educators and therapists in the classroom,” said Vincent Renda, Executive Director.

Hawkswood School offers a unique perspective into teaching. Now entering its 40th year, Hawkswood School serves students with a wide range of complex disabilities including as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Rhett syndrome, and other low incidence conditions.

Students met with school administrators, related services professionals, and teachers, and observed classroom instruction.

Rae Koumoulis, a teacher in the Business Department at Middletown South who arranged for the visit, described the group of high school seniors as having “exemplary interpersonal skills and solid academic credentials.” She said she selected Hawkswood because she wanted them to see all of the teaching options that may be available to them, including options in state-approved private schools for students with disabilities.

“Hawkswood School uses innovative programs and has a collegial culture of sharing best practices”, she added. “Whether they go on to become teachers, or specialized therapists, I hope some of my students end up working here one day,” she said.

ABOUT: Hawkswood School is a New Jersey state-approved private special education school in Eatontown, NJ, for students with developmental and multiple disabilities, including autism. Hawkswood School uses evidence-based academic instruction and behavioral interventions — including Applied Behavior Analysis — to prepare students for a range of opportunities including jobs, day programs, volunteer experiences, higher education, and trade schools. Hawkswood School: Transforming Lives, Everyday. To learn more, go to http://hawkswoodschool.net or call 732-542-2525.