Shakya Aurelus Advances Her Special Education Career

Educator Spotlight: Shakya Aurelus, The Graham Academy

For Shakya Aurelus, working in special education started as a new job, but stepping into the classroom changed her perspective entirely.

Aurelus joined The Graham Academy’s Kingston campus in September 2023. She previously worked as a home health aide for elderly patients, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, where she learned the importance of patience and consistency. When she transitioned into special education at The Graham Academy, she first served as a one-on-one aide before advancing to behavior technician. Today, she supports eight students ages 9 to 12, implementing individualized behavioral and academic programs.

“Working with elderly patients taught me a lot of patience, to not get frustrated and to keep working with them,” Aurelus said. “That directly connects to the kids I work with today. They are going through their own struggles and you just have to have that patience, make sure they are supported and keep being there for them every day.”

Advancing Her Special Education Career Through ASU

In August, Aurelus enrolled in the teacher credentialing program through SESI’s partnership with Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Driven by a desire to help more children progress and eventually lead her own classroom, she began taking online courses during her free time.

Balancing full-time work, accelerated coursework, and raising her young son requires dedication, but her motivation remains clear.

“When I first started working here, my love for the kids made me want to do more,” Aurelus said. “I have a son and these kids honestly inspired me to have my own classroom and be able to teach them myself.”

Aurelus now completes her online coursework while working full time and raising her young son. She also sees connections between what she is studying and what she encounters in the classroom each day. A course in child development, for example, reinforced how differently children develop and the need to adjust instruction to each student.

That individualized approach is especially rewarding when Aurelus sees a student master a new skill. She has worked closely with one student since becoming a behavior technician and watched her reach reading and math goals, including learning multiplication.

“She makes me proud every day,” Aurelus said. “Being able to see these kids progress and see them grow makes my day better.”

Mentorship and Professional Growth at The Graham Academy

Aurelus credits The Graham Academy’s Regional Director Carol McGrane and her teammates for supporting her professional growth. School leadership introduced her to the ASU opportunity, and classroom teacher Bella Greer has become a mentor as Aurelus works toward becoming a teacher. Greer shares advice about the credentialing process and gives Aurelus opportunities to take the lead on classroom instruction.

“Miss Greer is very consistent with the kids,” Aurelus said. “She trusts me, talks through the program with me and gives me a good idea of what to expect when I have my own classroom.”

As a mother, Aurelus finds that her personal and professional lives continuously inspire one another.

“I am a young mom, and the stuff I learn here I take home with me,” Aurelus said. “When my son goes to school and is being taught by teachers, I want them to support him and show him love when he isn’t around me. That is what I want to give these kids personally. It is more than just a job.”

Looking Ahead to a Teaching Career

Once she completes her ASU program, Aurelus plans to become a full-time special education teacher. She encourages other SESI employees who are interested in teaching to consider the opportunity, while recognizing the commitment the work requires.

“If someone wants to be a teacher, they should pursue it,” Aurelus said. “You have to make sure you are passionate and committed. It takes a lot of patience and you have to be able to give the love for these kids.”

About the SESI and ASU Special Education Alliance: Through SESI’s alliance with ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, eligible employees in good standing with a high school diploma, GED, or some college can earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential with discounted tuition, tuition reimbursement, or a federal funding grant. SESI educators interested in the program can contact their school director for details.