Rose Haggar Elementary School 2026

Adria Appiah-Amaning

Rose Haggar Elementary School - 5th Grade Special Education Resource Teacher
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Teaching Philosophy

"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Teaching is not just about delivering content; it is about building trust, nurturing confidence, and helping children see their own potential. It has been my honor to serve as the special education teacher and team leader at Rose Haggar Elementary; even when I retire, I will always be a teacher and a lifelong learner.

When I tell people that I am a special education teacher, many respond by telling me how much they admire that because they know this career can be challenging. They say things like, "Wow, you must be a patient person", or "I could never do that job!" I thank them for the compliment, but I think doing this job requires far more than patience. It requires passion, empathy, and an unwavering belief that all children can learn. Special education teachers wear many hats, which vary from day-to-day. We become second parents, nurses, coaches, cheerleaders, positive role models, and advocates. It is a privilege to see students, who others may write off as unteachable, grow leaps and bounds.

Over the years, teaching methods and curriculum have changed, but one thing has remained constant: students respond best to teachers who are both compassionate and knowledgeable. I often pull struggling students aside and reteach material using differentiated instruction, so it becomes more accessible. When a student who was once confused suddenly understands and says, "Thank you for teaching me! I get it now," I am reminded why I chose this profession. Those moments, small as they may seem, are powerful and life-changing.

One experience that stands out to me involves a nonverbal kindergarten student whom a new teacher described as "impossible to teach." I reassured her, telling her to be patient and to trust the process. With consistent support, specially designed instruction, social stories, visuals, and positive reinforcement, this child made incredible progress. He went from being unable to sit for even one minute to reading and writing. As a team leader, I also knew it was important to model effective strategies for my colleagues. Teaching students with disabilities requires flexibility, creativity, and careful planning, whether that means pairing vocabulary with real-life images, allowing a student to respond on a whiteboard instead of paper, or setting individualized, measurable goals and tracking progress over time.

Compassion is at the heart of everything we do in special education. Many of my students come from difficult circumstances, and it is our responsibility to meet them where they are. Last year, one of my students was living in a homeless shelter. His clothes never seemed to fit. The shoes were not only 3 sizes too big, but the soles of the shoes were practically falling off and flopped every time he walked. I knew that he needed more than just my teaching practices. I made a decision that day to do what I could to make his time at our school better. I decided that I would surprise him with some cool clothes and new shoes; he was ecstatic when he saw the graphic t-shirts, Nike Dunks, and Adidas. He put the Nikes on right away and wore them all day.

To my surprise, the next day, he was not wearing his new Nike shoes. He said his dad took them, but promised to give him $6.00 in exchange. I felt for him, yet I knew my job was to not make him feel bad; Instead, I continued to encourage him and focus on what I could provide: stability, learning, and unconditional support.

Students need more than academic instruction; they need someone who is deeply committed to their growth, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Being a special education teacher is more than a career to me; it is my purpose, my passion, and my privilege. I have served in special education since I began teaching nearly thirty years ago, and throughout that time, I have never doubted that every child deserves an educator who truly loves and believes in them.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I recommend Mrs. Adria Appiah-Amaning for Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Amaning has served our school community for 19 years as a dedicated Special Education Resource Teacher and currently as our Special Education Team Lead, and her impact on students, staff, and families is both profound and far-reaching.

Mrs. Amaning is the steady anchor of our largest and most complex instructional team. As team lead, she manages six special education teachers and several paraprofessionals, skillfully balancing compliance, instruction, collaboration, and student advocacy. She anticipates the needs of both students and colleagues, sets clear expectations, and ensures that systems run smoothly in an ever- changing environment. Despite the daily challenges inherent in special education, she remains calm, solutions-oriented, and unwaveringly student-centered.

What sets Mrs. Amaning apart is her servant leadership. Although she never sought recognition or authority, she stepped into the leadership role with humility, dedication, and grace. She is often the first to respond when support is needed and the last to seek acknowledgment for her work. She leads by example, modeling advocacy, problem-solving, and professionalism while setting a tone of trust, respect, and collaboration for the entire team. She is often found helping other teachers when we are short-staffed in our self-contained classrooms. She trains new teachers on how to complete the required paperwork and then sits side-by-side as they complete their first individualized education plans. She models how to conduct ARD meetings and building strong relationships with families.

Mrs. Amaning's dedication to students extends well beyond the school day. She works closely with classroom teachers to ensure accommodations and supports are implemented with fidelity, allowing students to access instruction with dignity and confidence. She has a whatever it takes attitude in making sure that her students love learning and continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her students see her as a safe and welcoming presence—someone who supports them without ever making them feel different. Her calm demeanor and empathetic approach are especially valued in high-stress situations, and her expertise consistently strengthens instruction across the campus. Mrs. Amaning is the special education resource teacher for all of our 5th grade students. She is committed to ensuring that her students are ready to take the next step in their education journey.

Colleagues describe Mrs. Amaning as hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to the success of both students and staff. She partners effectively with general education teachers to find the best solutions for shared students, frequently adding meaningful instructional insights that enhance lessons and outcomes. Her love for students is evident in every interaction, and her willingness to go above and beyond—often sacrificing personal time—reflects the pride she takes in her work.

Above all, Mrs. Amaning is a passionate advocate for students with disabilities. She pushes students to do their best while ensuring their individual needs are met, all while maintaining empathy, patience, and professionalism. She fosters a culture in which students and staff feel supported, valued, and appreciated, making her an invaluable member of our school community.

Mrs. Adria Amaning exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator and a leader. Her experience, dedication, and heart for service make her exceptionally deserving of the Elementary School Teacher of the Year honor. I recommend her without reservation and with the utmost respect and admiration.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amy Weems
Principal
Rose Haggar Elementary