As students file into school buses and embark on field trips that can help decide their futures, one teacher guides them through the process. Exposing them to an endless number of potential jobs through visits to different businesses, she allows them to determine what career paths pique their interests. Dedicated to providing them with a future full of opportunity, she works tirelessly to find them employment in the fields they were attracted to.

For most of the student population at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the post-graduation process can be filled with many different opportunities. However, for students with disabilities, the post-graduation process can be much more complex and their career and education options can be limited. This is where Christina Ferrara, MSD graduate turned teacher, comes in.

“I always want to be my student’s biggest cheerleader and want every student to know that they are capable of great things, no matter how big or small,” Ferrara said. “Every student matters, beyond a letter grade.”

Before becoming a teacher, Ferrara attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. As well, she played travel soccer outside of school for 20 years.

Ferrara has taught in Florida for the entirety of her career. She worked at Parkside Elementary School and Heron Heights Elementary School before transferring to MSD. Despite this being Ferrara’s first year teaching at MSD, she claims that it is her favorite school she has taught at so far, and that she is very excited to be here. She has had positive experiences with the student population and the administration, believing them to be the most friendly she has ever encountered.

“The first week I was here, I had so many students offering to open the doors for my wheelchair students, even though they were trying to get to classes themselves,” Christina Ferrara said. “The staff from the day I was hired has always been asking if I needed any help with anything and to let them know.”

Aside from her passion for teaching and being a part of the MSD class of 1999, another thing that motivated Ferrara to join the staff are her two sons, who both currently attend MSD. One is a freshman, and the other is a junior. Along with her sons, her niece is also a student at MSD.

“I love if I can make a difference in one child or teenager’s life,” Ferrara said. “Making a difference in at least one kid’s life matters so much to me because when I was growing up teachers made a profound impact on my life.

Ferrara works with the Exceptional Student Education population, specifically within the Positive Approach to Student Success Program. Through this program, she helps students with disabilities find both job and volunteer opportunities in their local area once they graduate high school. Students age out of the PASS Program at 22. Ferrara aids the students by taking them on field trips from Monday to Friday to places like Publix, Aldi, and Target.

“I am excited to work with the ESE population and really hopefully finding them jobs,” Ferrara said. “I am really motivated to make sure that after they’re done with this program, that they can live independent lives.”

Ferrara is dedicated to embracing that no one student is the same as another; and she incorporates that into her teaching style. She tailors her teaching to fit each student’s individual and unique needs and welcomes their differences. This teaching method helps Ferrara find employment and volunteer opportunities for her students once they graduate.

“I think what makes me unique is that I know that every kid is different and when they walk into here, you don’t know what problems they’re dealing with,” Ferrara said. “I make sure I give 110% every day to each and every student.”

Ferrara is most excited to help the exceptional student education population find jobs and ensure they have a secure future beyond high school. She is very dedicated to the PASS Program and to helping her students succeed.