Nutley educator uses immersive approach to teach Spanish to kids with disabilities

We are thrilled to celebrate our very own Isabel Cosme, Spanish teacher at The Phoenix Center, who was recently featured on News12 New Jersey. Isabel’s passion for teaching and her innovative approach to making Spanish accessible to our students with special needs is nothing short of inspiring.

At The Phoenix Center, where we serve students with autism, behavioral and intellectual disabilities, and other conditions, forming these connections can be challenging. However, Isabel has mastered the art of engaging her students in the world of Spanish and Hispanic heritage.

“In order for them to access the curriculum, I needed to think of creative ways so that they can have that intrinsic motivation to explore the authentic material I present during each lesson.”

Isabel Cosme, Spanish Teacher at The Phoenix Center

Isabel’s dedication and innovation go beyond traditional language teaching. She not only imparts the Spanish language but also opens up doors to Hispanic and Latino cultures for her ninth, 10th, and 11th-grade students. Isabel’s Ecuadorian-American heritage adds a unique layer to her teaching, creating a rich and authentic learning experience.

To learn more about Isabel Cosme’s exceptional work, you can watch the News12 feature here.

At The Phoenix Center, we are immensely proud of the dedication and creativity of our staff, and Isabel Cosme exemplifies these values perfectly. We’re fortunate to have her as part of our educational community, helping us make a real difference in the lives of our students.

Nutley educator uses immersive approach to teach Spanish to kids with disabilities