Each week we honor a teacher in the valley who's making a difference. This week we visit McCardle Elementary School in Fresno.
With a soothing voice and a nearly endless supply of patience, it' easy to see why Melissa Penerian loves being a special education teacher at McCardle Elementary. Over the last three years she's developed a unique understanding of what it takes to help her kiddos - as she calls them - succeed.
"It requires a person to really get to know their students and to show their students that you care about them so they're able to reveal their strengths and areas of weakness and areas for growth," says Penerian.
From using technology to finding time for fun, the kids in Miss Penerian's class look forward to the time spent here, especially when it comes to the fun part.
"She plays games with us," says one student.
But no matter what she's doing the goal is always the same; connect with these kids and make sure they're getting the best education possible.
"I get misty eyes a lot and it's happy tears to see that lightbulb go off and see their hearts just expand with their self confidence and the realization that they learned something," she says.
With a soothing voice and a nearly endless supply of patience, it' easy to see why Melissa Penerian loves being a special education teacher at McCardle Elementary. Over the last three years she's developed a unique understanding of what it takes to help her kiddos - as she calls them - succeed.
"It requires a person to really get to know their students and to show their students that you care about them so they're able to reveal their strengths and areas of weakness and areas for growth," says Penerian.
From using technology to finding time for fun, the kids in Miss Penerian's class look forward to the time spent here, especially when it comes to the fun part.
"She plays games with us," says one student.
But no matter what she's doing the goal is always the same; connect with these kids and make sure they're getting the best education possible.
"I get misty eyes a lot and it's happy tears to see that lightbulb go off and see their hearts just expand with their self confidence and the realization that they learned something," she says.