Brian Hill
In the Corner With…
Brian Hill, East Aurora Middle School’s special education teacher works with sixth grade students. He is originally from Clarence, New York, where he attended school from kindergarten through grade 12. His Bachelor’s Degree is in business from the University at Buffalo, but after working in that field for six months, he went to D’Youville College and graduated with his Master’s Degree in special education.
How does your position differ from a “regular education” classroom teacher’s position?
My day is different in that I pull out, (where a small group of students leave their classroom to come to my room for reading and math), and I also push in for math and language arts, (where I co-teach with the classroom teacher). I work with students on homework, skills, or review for upcoming tests and quizzes. I have a wonderful aide, Dawn Grieco, who accompanies students into their other classes, and who assists me with my students.
Why did you decide to go into a field working with challenged children?
I feel like I really get to know the students I teach and can make a difference in their lives. I enjoy the variety and challenge created by teaching different classes and subjects, and helping students with things that are difficult.
Can you remember a teacher who inspired you?
I was most inspired by my mom who was a teacher in Buffalo for 35 years. I remember visiting her class when I was young and being amazed by what a great teacher she was and how much of a difference she was making.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is getting married to my wife Nicole in August of this year.
What are the biggest challenges that teachers face today?
Budgets. I am very worried that New York State budget issues could negatively impact our school and lead to cuts in our teaching staff. It is not in our students’ best interests that programs be cut or class sizes increased.
You have to be a specialist in a huge variety of areas and disorders. How do you manage this?
I read journals, take classes, and read online to stay current. I am able to use different strategies and techniques with students, and it is very rewarding to try something new with a struggling student and find success. I have worked with great teachers in my eight years in the district, from whom I have learned a lot.
Can you tell a little about a community program you are involved in?
Over the summer I was the floor manager for the “Lose the Wheels” training program. The event was designed to teach people with Down syndrome or other disabilities to ride a bike. Forty participants ranging from age eight to 22 took part in 75 minute sessions with eight participants in each session. The riders started out on special bikes with rollers that were gradually changed as they got better with their balance and by the end of the week, about 80% of our participants were able to ride regular bikes. This was a tremendous accomplishment as many of them had been trying to ride unsuccessfully for years. The look of joy on their faces, and their parents’ faces, was an incredibly rewarding experience and one I will never forget. I would like to thank the volunteers who helped throughout the day, and to extend this opportunity to anyone interested in helping next summer. For more information, contact me at bhill@eastauroraschools.org.