About me
Creating opportunities for unique learners to experience meaningful inclusion through engaging, modified content
I have a passion for designing hands-on, engaging resources for children with special needs. My focus is making differentiated activities to expose all students to standards-based content with an emphasis on creating modified science units and project-based learning opportunities.
katie thorne
Hi! My name is Katie and I am currently a public school special education teacher serving students in grades K-5. I have been teaching for 3 years and have taught students with a wide range of disabilities in both self-contained and resource room settings. I was born and raised in New England before I headed south where I received my B.S. in special education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I love watching my students grow and finding creative ways to teach new concepts!
As an educator, I believe it is important to move beyond rote instruction and, instead, design engaging ways for students to learn. When I began teaching in a self-contained classroom, I struggled to find science and social studies materials that met my students’ needs and allowed them to actively participate in class. In my experience, breaking down the standards to create modified units increases inclusion opportunities for students with disabilities. When given the right materials and support, my students thrive in the general education setting and build problem solving skills, creativity, and learn new, higher-level concepts.
To put it simply, my ‘why’ for teaching and making resources is to increase access to hands-on learning and STEM education, create meaningful inclusion opportunities, and build independence for students with disabilities.
In addition to creating resources and teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love anything chocolate, watching Friends, and being outside!