Editor’s Note: This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the recipients of the 2010 Alumni Association Educator’s Grant.

Once a self-proclaimed "super senior" studying learning disabilities and early childhood education at Aquinas College, Martha Knoll-Loader, '10 is now one of the delighted recipients of the 2010 Alumni Association Educator's Grant. Known simply as "Ms. Knoll," to her students, she is currently a full-time teacher at local Creston High School. With seven teenage students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Knoll works constantly to improve their learning environment and facilitate new programs and opportunities in and outside of the classroom.

"These kids are awesome," said Knoll, as she describes her passion for her students and the unique education achieved through generous contributions such as the recent Aquinas grant.

"Autism is a language disorder," said Knoll, as she explains the communication difficulties faced by hers and other students with ASD. Though some are high-functioning and working on a modified curriculum, others lack skills such as maintaining eye contact and understanding functional math. Despite these obstacles, Knoll's students strive to complete their education and "leave with the tools to survive."

Knoll's classroom and the welcoming atmosphere created by Creston general education students allows for the confidence to achieve these goals. On February 12, during the annual Swirl dance at the school, students elected a student with a learning disability as their swirl king. "It has really been just phenomenal," said Knoll, of the positive reception to her students and the peers who are willing to overlook their differences to become friends.

Though Knoll began her position at Creston in September 2010, her influence has already provided many of the necessary programs and funding for her students. With the help of Autism Support of Kent County (ASK) and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, she has applied for and received various grants which have allowed for local outings and specialized classroom materials.

Despite the support from these grants, however, Knoll began to notice the need for a program which would provide tasks catered to each student’s particular skill set. In lieu of creating her own activities (ambitious as she is, she would have gladly taken on the task), Knoll was informed of "Drops in the Bucket," a program which specifically tailors homework activities to the wide range of student abilities. Knoll said she “wanted a piece that would be really neat and leveled for each kid.”

With the specialized program in mind, Knoll applied for the education grant provided by Aquinas Alumni Association in November, 2010. Now, after becoming one of four educators to receive the $500 award, she is anxiously awaiting the materials for the homework exercises and informative games. “That’s the biggie, making learning fun and a game to appeal to students” said Knoll, of the games aspect of ‘Drops in the Bucket.’

Without the stress of traditional learning, her students feel free to explore their abilities at their own pace. Knoll, with the new teaching opportunity, necessary funding, and devoted pupils, is in a position to improve the education significantly for her students. “Teaching has been an unbelievable ride,” she said.