Gilbert A. Dater High School
Cincinnati, OH
Elaine Niehauser is pure joy both in and out of the classroom. An Intervention Specialist, Elaine leads a classroom of high school students with moderate to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. Ms. N provides her students a well-rounded education by teaching academic and transition skills while ensuring basic hygiene needs are met “even donating toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, and clean clothes to her students who may need it. Beyond the normal duties of teaching, Elaine works tirelessly to give her students exciting, new experiences that enrich their academic, life and social skills. This year alone, Elaine has planned two successful field trips to a local children” museum for a Pixar exhibit, and a sensory-friendly matinee of Cinderella at a local theatre. Additionally, Ms. N has created and self-funded innovative initiatives for her students to become more involved in the greater school community, including a coffee shop serving staff and students, a mock cinema, and a talent show to showcase the talents of her students while breaking stereotypes of people with disabilities. “I love being a source of joy for my students everyday like they are for me. The mutual love we have is the greatest gift of my life.”