Sidjae Johnson, a Level 2 Teacher and Rehabilitation Counselor on Francine Road, has worked at The New England Center for Children (NECC) since 2023. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague, “because she is an incredible representation of what it means to go above and beyond what is required in your role. Not only does she advocate for our students’ wellbeing, but she also encourages them to try new activities and learn new things while allowing them an incredible degree of independence. Sidjae is an amazing teacher, advocate, case manager, team member, and friend. She always brings a positive attitude and finds something to smile or laugh about in every shift. She deserves recognition for her effort and energy!” 

How long have you worked for NECC?

I have worked at NECC since June of 2023.  

What is your favorite part of your job?

What I love most about my job is the students – being able to have a good laugh with them, watching them improve in an area where they were struggling, and seeing them use the skills they were taught to become more independent. 

Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?

I didn’t initially have a calling to this career. I wanted to go to art school, but it didn’t work out. I was then encouraged after high school to join the teaching profession. I started out my college career as an Early Childhood Teacher, and within my first year of studies, I fell in love with Special Education. Before joining the workforce, I completed studies in ECE, then began studying Special Education. Upon completing both, I was employed at the McCam Child Care and Development Centre, where I had a class of ten students, half of whom were typically developing, while the other half was a mixture of students with autism, Down syndrome, and learning disabilities. This was where my interest in autism began, in 2009. 

Why NECC?

I sought experience and exposure for years to build on what I knew. I did not have formal training in the area of autism. My knowledge base was rooted in information from school, my own research, and my experience working with children with autism over the years. I knew there was more to learn about autism, and I wanted to be better able to serve the children and families I work with. NECC has offered me the opportunity to hone my existing skills and is further equipping me with skills I didn’t know I needed. 

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 am currently enrolled in the Western New England University (WNEU) program. So far, through the program, I can see why and how we do what we do. My eyes have been opened even more to the rationale behind some of the processes we do on the floor with the students. Through the program, I am making connections between the theory and the practical. 

Who is someone you look up to?

My role model is my mother. She has taught me what humility looks like, what being strong and focused looks like, how to be a team player, to be flexible, to hold on to what I believe, and to treat others with respect and care regardless of who they are and where they’re from. 

What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

My colleagues may be surprised to know that I was on the girls’ football team when I was in prep school, and I was trained by Miss World 1993, Lisa Hanna, and later by former Miss Jamaica, Althea Laing. 

What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?

I believe there is nothing I can’t do. It may take me a while to finish the task. It may not look or sound the way others think it should look or sound, but I’ll get it done. Once I have life, I can do anything.

Listen to Sidjae share a little bit about herself here.