Alice Pauly, a lead teacher in one of The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Public School Services (PSS) Partner Program classrooms in Derry, NH, has worked at NECC for nine years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight because “Alice is an amazing teacher to our students. She is always thinking of ways to best help and teach them, and she works closely with administration to ensure our students are a part of their school community. She is also a great mentor to the staff she works with and cares deeply about everyone in her room. We are so lucky to have her!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I’m in my ninth year at NECC. In 2016, I started working in the residential programs on Francine Road and School Street with an amazing group of boys and staff. After that, I moved to the Home-based program, where I worked with children under the age of 3, and learned so much! Most recently, I moved to the PSS Department and am in my third year as a lead teacher. I love it!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is watching the moments when our students are so proud of themselves for achieving something new or accomplishing something hard.
What are your responsibilities working in the Partner Program?
My current responsibilities include educational and clinical programming, daily scheduling, family clinics, liaising between district administration and NECC staff, and managing and training staff.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
After working with a child with autism at a summer camp, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the autism community.
Why NECC?
I chose NECC because I love how NECC provides evidence-based services and is extensively involved in staff and family training. I have been lucky to have worked with the most amazing students, families, and staff at NECC.
Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?
I earned my master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) through NECC’s partnership with Western New England University (WENU) and am in my third year of the master’s degree in education with an autism specialization through the Simmons University program at NECC.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I grew up in Florida, so any opportunity I get to be at the beach, I’m there with a book!
Who is someone you look up to?
I have been lucky enough to have numerous supervisors I admire at NECC. Specifically, I worked with Amy Posocco, and she was a great advocate for students and staff and was always able to see the bright side.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
Look on the sunny side!