As we enter our 100th year of leading special education, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is recognizing exceptional educators from around the world who have shown a passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the students who they teach. Hear from teachers about their personal experiences working in the field, and get inspired to make your own impact this year.
Melanie Abad
Melanie Leyva-Abad is very excited to say that she has taught special education for 26 years. She loves working with young children and their families and is a true believer in early intervention and the positive impact it can have on a child. She taught preschool special education for nine years and kindergarten through third grade for 18 years.
Melanie attended and graduated from Brookwood High School-Gwinnett County Public Schools, Valdosta State University with a B.S.Ed in Special Education and from the University of Louisville, KY and with a Master’s in Special Education in Assistive Technology. This summer, she completed a two year endorsement to be certified as a teacher for students with visual impairments and blindness.
Melanie is proud to say that she has been awarded Teacher of the Year four times in her career. She enjoys teaching teachers and families about working with young children with special needs. She has taught numerous staff developments throughout the state of Georgia and nationally presented in the areas of literacy for children with special needs, working with children with visual impairments and Assistive Technology.
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