Courtney Tierney, MSEd, an education coordinator in The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Instruction Program (IIP), has worked at NECC for nine years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague because she “goes above and beyond for all of her students. Her kindness and dedication show in everything that she does. She works so hard to give each and every student the opportunity to grow, learn, thrive, and succeed. Working alongside her has been an absolute pleasure. She inspires me to be better!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I have been at NECC for almost nine years! I started as a level 1 teacher on Higley Road, then moved up to a level 2 teacher the next year there. I was then at Parker Road for two years as a level 2 teacher. In the fall of 2020, I moved to the IIP as a level 2 teacher and was promoted to education coordinator in August.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love spending time with my students. If I am having a bad day, I know that seeing their smiling faces is going to turn everything around. It’s so amazing getting to see students grow in their skills and hearing that the skills they are learning at school are translating to life at home. It’s so humbling and such a joy to be a part of my students’ and their family’s journeys.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
When I was in college, I wanted to change my major, and all of my friends told me I should go the education route because they thought I would make a good teacher. However, I was dead set against it for some reason. I found NECC through my cousin who has worked in the research department for a long time, and once I was here, I knew I had found what I was meant to do. I didn’t know much about autism or individuals with autism before coming to NECC, but I have learned SO much in my time here. I think I’ve learned more from my students than they’ve learned from me. It’s been life changing.
Why NECC?
As I mentioned, I originally found NECC through my cousin. Working at NECC was a career change, but I definitely found the path I’m supposed to be on! NECC has so many resources, so much support, and the best students!
Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?
I have! I recently graduated from the Simmons University graduate program. It took me a while to start because I was afraid of going back to school, especially after such a long time, but it was a game changer! I was able to learn so much and really refine some of the things I had already been doing in the classroom; it prepared me to move into my new role as education coordinator.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I love to read, but they definitely know that! I think they might know this too, but I was in a John Fogerty music video when I was about 10 years old!
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to my best friend, Emilee, who passed away 11 years ago. She had cancer when we were 13 years old and lived life to the absolute fullest. She overcame the cancer, but died on a cross-country bike ride raising money for MS. She was the most authentic person I know, and she taught me to love myself and to try and make the world a better place.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
Treat people with kindness!