All about me!
My name is Maxwell O'Handley, and I am a special educator from Babylon, New York. I am also a community activist, volunteer, camp administrator, son, brother, musician, and advocate for children.
I grew up in Babylon, New York, where my small school setting allowed me to interact with students in the special education program on a regular basis in both social, and academic settings. This is where my passion for special education began. When working with the "Babylon Buddies" organization, I began to communicate with special needs students through art, music, and performance. Mentor teachers guided me and helped me to see the world in a different way. Since graduating from high school in 2017, I attended Marist College. In my time at Marist I was involved in the Center For Multicultural Affairs, Marist College Singers, Chamber Choir, and directed the all-male identifying a-cappella group, Time Check. In addition to being a full-time student, I worked as a peer-counselor and teaching assistant for students involved with the Center For Multicultural Affairs. In that position I provided curriculum based assistance to the professor and students, as well as real-life professional and job skills for students during their freshman year. I was also a student-office assistant for the music department. My time at Marist shaped who I am and introduced me to many different viewpoints and ways of life. I value the experience I had both on campus and while studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
In May of 2021 I graduated from Marist with a degree in psychology and special education. I am currently certified in grades 1-6 childhood and special education.
As a special educator, I aspire to help students find their unique learning styles and to create a meaningful learning plan that is meaningful and attainable for them and their families. Through collaborative practices that include the classroom and school team, innovative methods of design and de-escalation, and an emphasis on curricular instruction aligned with IEP goals, students in my classroom will have their needs met physically, socially, emotionally, and academically.
As a team member, I am a dedicated individual who strives to engage the school community outside the classroom. As an educator, I have directed plays, conducted a chorus, coached soccer, attended PTA events, and participated in other extra-curricular acticities for students. What happens in the classroom is meaningful and important, but I have found that getting to know students outside the classroom serves an important role in educating students.
I have enjoyed working with paraprofessionals, principals, psychologists, social workers, teachers, students, and parents to ensure a positive outcome for students. I am dedicated to encouraging students to become lifelong learners. I try to lead by example by furthering my education in different aspects of my life. As a musician, I am constantly learning new skills and instruments. As an educator, I am always seeking out professional development opportunities. As a student, I am currently working toward my M.S in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction at Marist College.
I grew up in Babylon, New York, where my small school setting allowed me to interact with students in the special education program on a regular basis in both social, and academic settings. This is where my passion for special education began. When working with the "Babylon Buddies" organization, I began to communicate with special needs students through art, music, and performance. Mentor teachers guided me and helped me to see the world in a different way. Since graduating from high school in 2017, I attended Marist College. In my time at Marist I was involved in the Center For Multicultural Affairs, Marist College Singers, Chamber Choir, and directed the all-male identifying a-cappella group, Time Check. In addition to being a full-time student, I worked as a peer-counselor and teaching assistant for students involved with the Center For Multicultural Affairs. In that position I provided curriculum based assistance to the professor and students, as well as real-life professional and job skills for students during their freshman year. I was also a student-office assistant for the music department. My time at Marist shaped who I am and introduced me to many different viewpoints and ways of life. I value the experience I had both on campus and while studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
In May of 2021 I graduated from Marist with a degree in psychology and special education. I am currently certified in grades 1-6 childhood and special education.
As a special educator, I aspire to help students find their unique learning styles and to create a meaningful learning plan that is meaningful and attainable for them and their families. Through collaborative practices that include the classroom and school team, innovative methods of design and de-escalation, and an emphasis on curricular instruction aligned with IEP goals, students in my classroom will have their needs met physically, socially, emotionally, and academically.
As a team member, I am a dedicated individual who strives to engage the school community outside the classroom. As an educator, I have directed plays, conducted a chorus, coached soccer, attended PTA events, and participated in other extra-curricular acticities for students. What happens in the classroom is meaningful and important, but I have found that getting to know students outside the classroom serves an important role in educating students.
I have enjoyed working with paraprofessionals, principals, psychologists, social workers, teachers, students, and parents to ensure a positive outcome for students. I am dedicated to encouraging students to become lifelong learners. I try to lead by example by furthering my education in different aspects of my life. As a musician, I am constantly learning new skills and instruments. As an educator, I am always seeking out professional development opportunities. As a student, I am currently working toward my M.S in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction at Marist College.