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Polk County Public Schools Teacher Engagement will host a special educator professional development event featuring national autism advocate and Love on the Spectrum cast member Madison Marilla on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Harrison School for the Arts, funded through philanthropic contributions to Polk Education Foundation. This training opportunity is designed to deepen PCPS teachers’ understanding of autism and strengthen inclusive classroom practices across the district. Madison Marilla, public speaker, former educator, and the first openly autistic teacher in Massachusetts, has become a standout voice for neurodiversity and authentic representation. Her work centers on helping educators understand how autistic students think, communicate, and experience the world. As she shares in her materials, “Autism is not a deficit—it’s a different way of experiencing the world,” and when educators adjust the environment, “autistic students thrive.” The professional development session will provide PCPS teachers and paraprofessionals with practical, classroom-ready strategies rooted in autism-informed teaching. Topics will include sensory awareness, predictable routines, communication clarity, processing time, and strength-based learning. These are approaches that help reduce anxiety and increase access to learning for autistic students. This event is by invitation only and will feature a welcome, keynote presentation, and a moderated Q&A to support deeper educator engagement, giving teachers space to connect with Madison’s insights and ask practical, classroom-focused questions. The session is designed to ensure PCPS educators can access high-quality, meaningful learning opportunities at no cost. More than 300 educators have already registered for the session, reflecting strong districtwide interest in autism-informed professional learning. About Polk Education Foundation Polk Education Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Polk County Public Schools. Private contributions fund classroom grants, a Free Teacher Market, a reading tutoring program for K–3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and more than $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success, recognize and retain teachers and employees, and enhance educational experiences. Contact Tracy Porter Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 215
Polk County Public Schools Teacher Engagement will host a special educator professional development event featuring national autism advocate and Love on the Spectrum cast member Madison Marilla on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Harrison School for the Arts, funded through philanthropic contributions to Polk Education Foundation. This training opportunity is designed to deepen PCPS teachers’ understanding of autism and strengthen inclusive classroom practices across the district.
Madison Marilla, public speaker, former educator, and the first openly autistic teacher in Massachusetts, has become a standout voice for neurodiversity and authentic representation. Her work centers on helping educators understand how autistic students think, communicate, and experience the world. As she shares in her materials, “Autism is not a deficit—it’s a different way of experiencing the world,” and when educators adjust the environment, “autistic students thrive.”
The professional development session will provide PCPS teachers and paraprofessionals with practical, classroom-ready strategies rooted in autism-informed teaching. Topics will include sensory awareness, predictable routines, communication clarity, processing time, and strength-based learning. These are approaches that help reduce anxiety and increase access to learning for autistic students.
This event is by invitation only and will feature a welcome, keynote presentation, and a moderated Q&A to support deeper educator engagement, giving teachers space to connect with Madison’s insights and ask practical, classroom-focused questions. The session is designed to ensure PCPS educators can access high-quality, meaningful learning opportunities at no cost. More than 300 educators have already registered for the session, reflecting strong districtwide interest in autism-informed professional learning.
About Polk Education Foundation Polk Education Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Polk County Public Schools. Private contributions fund classroom grants, a Free Teacher Market, a reading tutoring program for K–3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and more than $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success, recognize and retain teachers and employees, and enhance educational experiences.
Contact Tracy Porter Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 215