Bacon Elementary School – Integrated Services Poudre School District

“Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.”
– Chinese proverb

What better way to highlight autism awareness than to introduce you to those leading the way in their Integrated Services special education programs for students with autism. With a ding from the classroom door, you enter a space that Jake Neufeld has cultivated as a safe learning place for both students and teachers at Bacon Elementary School. It doesn’t take but minutes to recognize the connection and care he has for each of his students. Here is his story:

“I’m originally from Canada but have lived here in Colorado for most of my life. I live here in Fort Collins with my wife Maddi. I enjoy playing music, sports and reading. My wife and I enjoy spending time doing different outdoor activities in the mountains as well.

I received my undergrad degree at the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s in Special Education. I’m currently earning my Master’s at Arizona State University in Applied Behavior Analysis and am working towards BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification as well.

My favorite part of my job is seeing our students apply the skills they learn into real life situations. I also really love teaching behavior and communication not only to the students, but also explaining those concepts to the parents and families.” Neufeld, Jake2015

Integrated Service coach Erin Coy describes Mr. Neufeld as a “… strong, kind, and a consistent presence for his students.”

Poudre School District Integrated Services Director: Sarah Belleau 2407 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521

“Sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”

-Anonymous

There is something unique and special about early childhood special education. It is a place where a child experiences many firsts. It can be challenging and exciting often all in the same day. It is a place where students and families alongside teachers, navigate through what it means to have special needs in the context of the school environment. Early childhood special education is a place where achievements, no matter the size, are celebrated.

Monday through Thursday morning, you will find the sweet sounds of little voices playing and learning in the early childhood special education class of Tressa Evans at Bacon Elementary School. While small in stature, her heart fills the room. Her fun yet steady approach with her students does not go unnoticed.

Here is Tressa Evans’ story: “I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1998 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in May of 2013. I have taught in an early childhood special education classroom for the past 15 years and in an autism specific classroom for the past 8 years. I did my student teaching in Poudre School District under Sarah Belleau and then left the district for a few years. I came back in 2005 so my boys could receive their education in this amazing district. I was Poudre School District’s Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2013.

Outside of school I have a wonderful husband of 20 years, Shawn and two Evans, Tressa 2015 3 awesome boys, Aiden (14) and Avery (12). In my free time I love spending time with my family, riding my road bike, being outdoors and reading. My favorite part of my job is watching the progress in students as they grow and learn. Sometimes having the privilege of hearing their first words and being a partner with parents on their journey as they enter school and as they support their children. I love helping to build their foundation! As a Behavioral Consultant for the district I have recently gained experience in all grade levels and love supporting teachers in their learning about autism and providing them with supports for challenging behaviors in the classroom.”

Evans, Tress 2015 “Tressa displays the finest qualities we look for in special education teacher. She has passion for her students, partners with parents to help students progress in all environments, is highly motivated, looks for solutions all of the time, believes that data tells a story to help make change, is fun, creative, has a great sense of humor and shows that she loves her job! It is a pleasure watching and working with Tressa!” Sarah Belleau, Director of Integrated Services for Poudre School District.

Thanks to Tressa Evans and her team, little ones at Bacon Elementary are given a new lease on life.

Poudre School District Integrated Services Director: Sarah Belleau 2407 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Tag: Bacon Elementary School

Bacon Elementary’s Jake Neufeld

Get to know Tressa Evans @ Bacon Elementary School.