Longmont Estates has the greatest teachers and staff!
Staff Spotlight:
Alysa Spicer
How long have you taught/worked at Longmont Estates?
This is my third year as a special educator and my first year teaching at
LEES.
What grades have you taught/what is your position?
The past two years I was a lead teacher at The Joshua School,
Boulder , a private non-profit school and mental health facility providing
services to students with autism spectrum disorder and other
developmental disabilities. I taught 4 students grades 6-9 and my position
there was more focused on behavior intervention. This is my first year
teaching elementary school and I couldn’t be happier! I am currently one
of the autism teachers at Longmont Estates Elementary School and
love my job and students!!
How old were you when you decided to become a teacher/work in the
school system?
I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in elementary school. I knew I
wanted to work in the field of special education since middle school.
Did anything or anyone inspire you to become a teacher/work with kids?
When I was 8 years old my younger cousin, Adam, was diagnosed with
autism. I have been fascinated with this disability since and have always
had a passion for working with individuals with special needs. I can’t
imagine doing anything else!
What do you like most about teaching/working at LEE?
I love, love, love my students and my co-workers! My students are the
most amazing kids in the whole world and I LOVE having the
opportunity to work with such young minds. My students are making
rapid, unbelievable progress and I feel incredibly blessed to work with
them every day. My paraprofessionals (I am blessed to work with three
unbelievable women: Sherry, Julie and Mandy) are the best team that I
could ask for. I think it is wonderful that we can have a center based
program for students with autism in a public school and I have loved the
opportunity to intervene in my classroom-- I am so lucky!
What is your personal motto?
I like to live by this daily: “be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard
battle.” - Plato
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
When working in the field of autism, remember to “start small, move
slowly.”
Your Favorite movie? TV show?
My favorite movie is Billy Maddison and my favorite TV show is
Parenthood.
What are you “free” reading right now?
“The Power of Now.”
What talent would you most like to have?
I wish that I could sing!
What superhero talent would you most like to have?
I wish that I could fly!
Favorite character from children’s literature?
I always loved Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh.
What is your favorite meal?(to eat, that is, not cook)
Yikes… that would have to be a tie! I LOVE a delicious steak dinner with
rice and tons of vegetables. I also have a small obsession with sushi :)
In seven words or less – what advice would you give to LEE students
and/or LEE parents?
Believe in yourself and never give up :)
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Your favorite holiday?
Christmas-- it's a wonderful time to be around my family. Lots of delicious
food too!
What was your first job?
Childcare Provider at Kids R Kids daycare.
Do you have a secret talent?
It’s a secret ;)
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am ecstatic to be a part of the LEES family and teach the autism
program here!