A-LIST Spotlight: Deanna Hicks, Intervention Specialist at East Elementary in Eaton

Our first A-LISTer classroom spotlight of the 2022-2023 school year shines bright on Intervention Specialist Deanna Hicks at East Elementary in Eaton. 

Deanna is a perfect representation of our A-LIST because she is enthusiastic, dedicated, and always willing to learn something new to help her students. She cares deeply for her classroom staff and students and strives to help everyone succeed. Deanna has been a great partner to our team who remains open and creative in implementing our recommendations. 

Organizational Supports

When first entering Deanna's classroom it is evident she has put a lot of effort into creating a space with clearly defined boundaries and easily accessible materials for staff and students. 

Manipulative shelf with visual cover

Drawer system for instructional materials

Labeled water bottle storing system

Clearly defined classroom library with labeled book bins

Cart for instructional materials

Visual Schedules

In addition to a clearly defined environment, Deanna provides students with visual schedules to provide a better understanding of expectations for locations and activities within the classroom.

First-Then flip ring

Circle time mini-schedule

Individual location-based center schedules

Sensory and Emotional Regulation Supports

In addition to providing structure that is calming and organizing for students, Deanna also provides individualized sensory and emotional regulation supports to keep students calm in the sensory-rich school environment. 

Emotion check-in visuals

Calming cube

Weighted cart for heavy work transitions and purposeful walks

Heavy work cafeteria jobs:

Paper towel lifting and trashcan helper

Hands-On Learners

Deanna knows that her students learn best when given hands-on opportunities to learn and practice new skills. 

Name letter graphing

Scrambled sentences

Reinforcement

Another way that Deanna makes the classroom a positive environment is through incorporating reinforcement and opportunities for students to learn through play.

Tool and doll house center

Kitchen center

Sticker chart reinforcement system

 To see more examples of our A-LISTers in action don't miss our previous posts:

Autism and Low-Incidence Coaching Support Team (A-LIST)