天美传媒

by Brett H. Spielberg

In four years, Laura Lombardi, M.A. 鈥�09, has gone from taking education courses and student teaching to standing in front of her own class at the in Elmont.

Ms. Lombardi has been a special education teacher in the Elmont school district since September 2012, focusing on students with autism in first through third grades.

Currently, she works in a 6:1:2 classroom for children with autism. The 6:1:2 refers to the ratio of students to teachers to teachers鈥� aides. She uses discrete trials and adapted curricula paired with daily living skills and vocational programs to help children gain independence.

Asked how her experience at Adelphi prepared her for this work, Ms. Lombardi said, 鈥淭he professors were very honest and knowledgeable about adapting curriculums to fit the needs of the many different students that I may have had in the classroom and the different academic levels they may be on. I definitely went into this field feeling confident that I could write an appropriate report and assess students appropriately without needing the assistance of an administrator. It really helped with my confidence.鈥�

Until last September, Ms. Lombardi worked at in Brooklyn as a middle school teacher for children with autism in an 8:1:2 classroom. She left the school to pursue a career outside of private schools and on Long Island.

鈥淭he students varied in their communication abilities鈥攕ome are non-verbal, so I used sign language a lot, which I am fluent in,鈥� Ms. Lombardi said. 鈥淸Some] students use communication devices like an iPad. The one thing I learned was just to do your job and do it well, to go in there with that mindset. Love what you do and it should resonate.鈥�

Having earned an academic year’s worth of credits in communication arts from , Ms. Lombardi wanted to earn her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees efficiently while shifting her focus toward the education field. She chose (S.T.E.P.), citing the University鈥檚 engaging and knowledgeable professors, unique and prestigious program and superb reputation for outreach in the community.

鈥淚 was really intrigued by S.T.E.P.,鈥� Ms. Lombardi said. 鈥淏eing able to get a master鈥檚 in only a year at a nice campus big enough that you weren鈥檛 stuck in a building all day and yet was close to home seemed like a great transition.鈥�

Along with her degrees, she graduated with a dual certificate in special education.

As part of S.T.E.P., Ms. Lombardi had to choose a major other than education for her remaining undergraduate credits; the communication arts program was perfect for her.

鈥淭he internships were wonderful,鈥� Ms. Lombardi said. 鈥淏ut my favorite part was sports journalism with [adjunct professor] Brett Topel. Having to go watch and report on different sporting events really got me involved.鈥�

Also as part of S.T.E.P., Ms. Lombardi spent considerable time as a student teacher on weekdays. The convenience of Adelphi鈥檚 night and weekend classes fit her schedule and helped her avoid the headache of one-hour commutes to and from New York City.

鈥淲orking on Long Island, you see that everyone knows that Adelphi鈥檚 is highly regarded,鈥� Ms. Lombardi said. 鈥淏eyond that, going to Adelphi helped me to learn the area and helped me make connections with lots of different people in different districts.鈥�