“It feels nice [to receive Teacher of the Year]. It’s a great feeling to know that others are watching the work we do and appreciate it. It’s a reminder to always be the best me I can be because you never know who’s watching.” AJ Gipson (Cohort 2020, Dallas)

AJ Gipson has worked as a special education teacher at Chavez Elementary School in Dallas for the past five years. During that time, he’s cultivated strong community connections and uses those relationships to support families beyond the classroom.

Bringing Support Within Reach

“Dallas is a great place, the nonprofits, and even some for-profits have a lot of wonderful resources for families like free bus passes, employment, counseling, etc. Sometimes things are hidden in plain sight and I absolutely hate gatekeeping.” AJ explains. 

One of AJ’s most meaningful connections was with a parent who was struggling to maintain employment and attend IEP meetings due to a lack of transportation. AJ connected them with a community resource called Onramp, which provides donated vehicles to individuals in need. Reflecting on the experience, AJ shared how meaningful it was to see the parent secure a car through the program.

In another memorable moment, a parent sought help supporting their child in using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device at home. AJ connected them with a district employee that offers classes to assist parents in helping students with autism develop speech. After a few months of consistent practice at home and school, the student eventually built his first sentence with the AAC device: “No,” when offered a Rice Krispies treat. It was a small word, but a huge milestone.

“That student wasn’t verbal before but is starting to develop speech skills because of AAC reinforcement, the parents’ lessons, and the contribution to the training,” AJ recalls. “Classes are infrequent but still have a significant impact on students’ lives.”

In addition to his work in special education, AJ is an AI enthusiast who brings his passion for technology into the school community. “I think the best thing I’ve done is show parents how to use AI to empower themselves….I rarely turn down an opportunity to showcase what AI can do for the community,” he shares.

Rooted in Relationships

AJ credits City Teaching Alliance with instilling in him the importance of building relationships and going beyond the classroom to meet students where they are.

 

“City Teaching Alliance has helped me by really driving home the point of [building] community and relationships with students….We teach in classrooms, but our reach should extend beyond.”

AJ encourages teachers not to be afraid to go where students are because understanding their world is the best way to know how to reach them. He says, “Empathy from a distance can only motivate you so much. But seeing first hand is more effective.”

AJ leaves us with this final reminder: “Students are not charity cases. Treat them like you would any other student by being authentic, and they will respond to you.” He cautions against overly punitive discipline and warns educators not to fall into saviorism. Instead, “build the relationship and be consistent, and things will fall in place.”

Congratulations, AJ, on being named Teacher of the Year! Your leadership, empathy, and community-centered approach inspire us all.