January 20, 2022

Kara Dicruttalo, a level 2 teacher, has worked at The New England Center for Children’s Higley Road residence for the past two and a half years. A colleague nominated Kara because she is a “passionate, helpful and dedicated teacher” who “constantly encourages her students to try their hardest and always celebrates their accomplishments. She understands the importance of communication and is always advocating for her students to be heard. We are so lucky to have her at NECC!”

What is your favorite part of your job? 
My absolute favorite part of my job is working with my students. Not only in the classroom working on their academic skills but getting to help them learn and grow across all aspects of their lives. Working [in the residential program], it has been incredible to see the full picture of what makes our students tick, [seeing] not only where they are at educationally within the classroom, but all the things that make them unique—[their] favorite colors, snacks, videos on their iPad, songs, ways to dance, and what jokes are funny. My students are absolutely incredible and getting to know every detail about their personalities has been my favorite part of this job. 

Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism? 
My mother was a special educator growing up, so I was always around students with disabilities and knew I wanted to be an educator. I have also been on an IEP myself since I was in third grade. I had some awesome understanding teachers who helped to make me the best student and individual as possible, and I had some not-so-great teachers along the way who made me not like school so much. So, with that, I decided I wanted to become a teacher who saw every student for who they are, taught through love, and worked hard to make each student know they were capable. Working with children with autism has been such an unreal experience because as much as I am working to teach them, they are teaching me and helping me grow just as much. 

Why NECC? 
I chose NECC because my cousin currently works here and she told me all about the graduate opportunities, so I wanted to check it out for myself. I am currently halfway through the Simmons College program. It has been a great benefit!

What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Something my colleagues might be surprised to learn is that I love to cook and bake. When I am not at work, you can find me spending hours in my kitchen trying new recipes and filling my countertops with baked goods. 

Who is someone you look up to? 
Someone I look up to is my education coordinator, Ashley Parkin. She works tirelessly to not only make sure our students are given the best, but she constantly is working hard to make sure her staff is supported as well. She works hours on end to make sure our students are given every inch of everything they deserve, and she is exactly what I want to be as not only a future educator, but as a mentor.  

What is your life philosophy or a motto you like to live by? 
My motto I like to live by is Cogito Ergo Sum which is Latin for “I think, therefore, I am.” There is nothing more powerful than realizing that you are in charge of your life. Whatever mindset you are locked into is the path of your future. And for me, if I tell myself I am going to achieve something and shift my mindset, there is no stopping until I get it.  

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