One CUSD graduate is giving back to a community that watched her grow by providing additional support inside a local classroom.
Having lived in the Cays and across the Island, Abigail Boyle began her formal schooling education in Coronado and today is an Instructional Assistant Behavioral Healthcare worker.
She provides support to the teachers and staff members that she considers were amazing and instrumental in her learning journey, which she says still can be found at each of the school sites.
As a student, Abby was an eager learner and committed to her education. Now she is a dedicated employee and serves as an inspiration to all students.”
=CUSD Director of Student Services Niamh Foley.
“It has been a joy to watch Abby’s journey from CUSD student to current staff member at Village Elementary School,” CUSD Director of Student Services Niamh Foley told The Coronado News. “As a student, Abby was an eager learner and committed to her education. Now she is a dedicated employee and serves as an inspiration to all students, including those with learning differences. She showcases the limitless possibilities and incredible potential nurtured within our educational community.”
Working alongside former teachers
As a 2018 Coronado graduate, the 23-year-old is in her first year working alongside teachers who shaped her own academic trajectory in the most positive way, experiences she appreciates to this day.
“It’s been so eye-opening, and I’m really enjoying my time and the connections I’m making, not just with my kid, but with all the kids in the class,” said Boyle, who helps a six-year-old boy. “The opportunity to give back is huge. I never saw myself going this route.”
From Village Elementary to Coronado Middle and High School, Boyle said she received an immense amount of support and personalized accommodations that allowed her to excel academically as she faced health challenges from an early age.
“They helped me all through high school, and then I was able to graduate …it was such a huge accomplishment,” said Boyle. “I went to Chico State up in Northern California and my IEP and everything I learned went with me.”
An IEP is an Individualized Education Program that helps students who need academic assistance. It is a collaboration among parents, school administrators, teachers and the student to work together to improve classroom results.
Can be found at Village Elementary
As a recent college graduate, Boyle can be found inside Village Elementary School working as a teacher’s aide throughout the week committed to helping the student she supports on a daily.
“I don’t think any other job can fulfill in that respect of just making someone’s day.”
Abigail Boyle, CUSD Employee
“I can give back so effortlessly to him,” said Boyle. “I don’t think any other job can fulfill in that respect of just making someone’s day.”
In her role as an instructional assistant paired with a student with autism, Boyle said she incorporates strategies to support the student, like using art, creating checklists and providing breaks.
“I just have so much compassion and respect for everything that he’s going through on a daily basis…because that’s what I got. It was made so much easier for me to live through all my crises that were going on,” said Boyle.
Collaborating with the student’s parents
Using essential skills from her communication studies degree and health and wellness minor avidly in her current work, Boyle said collaboration and communication with the student’s parents and the rest of the team is another important aspect of her work.
“I definitely want to stay…working with students with disabilities in general,” said Boyle. “I love art and I love doing visual things and helping visually. … I want to stick with children as of right now, I think their excitement of life is something I love.”
