Madeline McDermott, a recent alumna of the education program and Educators Abroad concentration at Queen’s University, sees the world with new eyes after her alternative practicum placement in London, England. Within the walls of Chiltern Way Academy, Madeline had her first experience working at a specialized school for children with autism and behavioural needs. Now, she finds herself transformed by the new and unexpected – from unfamiliar philosophies and teaching practices to promising programming initiatives. “I would love to work at a specialized school again,” Madeline shares warmly. “They say that students are flowers, and they will only bloom in the right environment and the right conditions. I think one of my biggest takeaways from Chiltern Way Academy was finding ways to make all my students flourish. I know it can be done, because I’ve seen it now.”
Madeline is filled with admiration for the school’s dedication to its students, both within and beyond the classroom. “I’ve never seen a school set up like that before,” she reflects. “The classes had only five to ten students – but there was an educational assistant in almost every classroom.” Madeline was inspired to see the possibilities that come with significant education funding, which she could see all throughout the school and its programming. Weekly school trips brought students excitement and connection with the world around them; a morning horseback riding program transformed a nonattending student into a daily participant; and continuous professional development contributed to an excellent support team.
“The working environment was so positive,” Madeline expresses. “Everyone was happy.” Eager to support their students, the entire staff team committed to gathering together each morning for a meeting. “They would discuss important news, like, ‘hey, so-and-so's grandparent passed away last week. Maybe allow them a little bit more grace,’” Madeline shares. “I feel like that kind of collaboration is so huge for the development of children everywhere.”
When Madeline joined a year 7 and 8 class as a teaching assistant at Chiltern Way Academy, she saw what this devotion looked like within the classroom. “Right away, I noticed so many routines that were new to me,” Madeline says. She recalls the teacher starting every day with ‘Orientation and Regulation,’ an overview of the daily weather, food, class schedule, and any celebrations that might be listed on the calendar – even National Hot Dog Day. With a clear picture of the day ahead, students felt prepared to dive in! Madeline was also intrigued by the care put into developing students’ skills – from notetaking to self-regulation to self-advocacy. “They kept a physical book full of all their work,” Madeline describes. “I would love to bring those notetaking skills into my classes in Ontario.”
Even more impressive was the school’s 3-Tier Regulation System: a system for students to proactively communicate their feelings and needs. Madeline watched closely as students requested tools to help them focus at their desk, alternative seating arrangements, and visits with a member of the support team – simply by expressing whether they were at a level 1, 2, or 3. “Students might be sitting on wobble boards or beanbags. The support team might take a student to the gym, for a walk, or to play in the hallway together for five to ten minutes. And it works,” Madeline advocates. Instead of inviting distractions like Madeline originally feared, the system taught students self-regulation and advocacy: “Instead of hitting somebody, these kids would say, ‘I need a level 3 regulation break right now.’ And I think that's an amazing skill… It was really impactful for me to see. I would love to implement a similar tiered regulation system into my classroom.”
Madeline was fascinated by more than the school structure and staff team: one of the most wonderful parts of her practicum was her getting to know her students, and seeing their imaginations and humour thrive. “No day is the same in any classroom, but I feel like that was tenfold at Chiltern Way Academy,” Madeline laughs. “The children just bring so much energy and creativity.” As Madeline learned more about her students, she also learned more about herself and the importance of challenging misconceptions. “It’s so interesting, because when I told people I was going to Chiltern Way Academy, they were like, ‘Oh, make sure that you never use sarcasm and you don't joke around, because it's hard for children with autism to understand.’ And I was like ‘oh, okay.’ But these were the most sarcastic kids I've ever met in my entire life!” Madeline laughs. “They are the kings and queens of joking. But I would have never known that if I didn't take that little leap.”
Madeline’s courage to try something new led her to make dozens of special connections. “There was one little girl who I had only known for two days. I always thought was just an outgoing student, because she had been talking to me so much,” Madeline shares. “Then the head teacher pulled me aside and said, ‘‘I just want to let you know this girl’s grandmother called, and she said her granddaughter really connected with the student teacher in her class. She said she’s grateful you’re there, and she just wanted to let you know.’ I thought that was so sweet, because I had no idea. I was really in my own world. I feel like that was a really good reminder for me to pay more attention. It’s important to really see your students and remember this is just one point in their journey.”
As for Education students ready to take the next step of their journey on their alternative practicum, Madeline encourages picking a placement that scares you a little bit. “Not something that’s going to give you night terrors,” Madeline jokes, “but something that challenges you in a way you haven't been challenged before. Something that's unique and new. I didn’t have a lot of experience working with students with autism, and it definitely scared me a little bit to jump into something so new to me… But it was incredible, and I would do it a million times over.” Perhaps for you, too, a little bit of courage will be all it takes to find your calling.
About the Author
Juliette Silveira is a final year Education student at Queen’s University. In 2024, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree at Queen’s University with a Minor in Dramatic Arts and a Major in English Language & Literature. In July 2025, she will complete her Bachelor of Education degree through the Concurrent Education program. Juliette has spent her time at Queen’s learning to become an Intermediate/Senior Drama and English teacher, and she has focused on Indigenous teacher education through the ITEP program. Passionate about cultivating students’ creativity and critical thinking, Juliette is eager to bring her experience as an actress, musical theatre teacher, creative writer, and literary analyst into her classroom.