Tiffany Horton has worked for The New England Center for Children (NECC) for three years. She began as a level 2 teacher before moving to a core shift manager (CSM) in the residential program, and currently works as a waivered education coordinator assisting a lead teacher in the Partner Program in Bedford, NH. She was nominated by a colleague because she “has always been kind and strives for the betterment of students, staff, and herself. She constantly brings an aura of joy on shift that’s contagious.”
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing the progress that my students make. Seeing the direct impact that other teachers and I make is so rewarding.
What are your daily duties/schedule like working in the partner program?
Because I’m in my last year of the Simmons University master’s degree program, I’m usually working with students for most of the school day. My role is to assist the lead teacher by taking on additional educational responsibilities.
What is something you would like people to know about working in the partner program?
Working in the Partner Program is very different when coming from the residential program. Seeing the students in their inclusion classrooms and continuing to work on vocational skills is so awesome.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I chose to work with children with autism because I’ve always gravitated towards helping others. Every job I’ve had before NECC was centered around children and helping them learn in some capacity. When I left for college, I thought I just wanted to be a child psychologist, but my school only had behavior analysis as a degree option. During the course of college and while taking internships at different schools helping children with disabilities, I knew this was the field for me.
Why NECC?
A representative from NECC came to Savannah State University and talked about the job and all the things they did. I didn’t have a set plan after college, so I flipped a coin and it landed on 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’m currently in my last year of the Simmons program. I would say that the program has affected my teaching style because I now look at education totally differently. From writing IEPs to switching prompting styles, I can credit my Simmons professors and my first education coordinator, Ashley Parkin (senior education coordinator for Higley Road), with positively influencing my teaching approach.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Something surprising about me is that during my free time, I love to read. I read at least two to three books a week. Once I pick up a book, it’s hard for me to put it down without finishing it the next day.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to my cousin, Natasha. She’s the first teacher in the family, and she simply does an amazing job. She works harder than anyone I know, and I’d be grateful just to be half of the woman and worker she is.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
My life motto is, “It is what it is.”