Building Bridges to Success: Maverick Sy’s Journey in Special Education

 

At Willow Glen Middle School, one special education teacher is making an extraordinary impact on his students' learning experiences. Maverick Sy, who teaches students on the Autism Spectrum, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and compassion to his classroom. His journey into education and his dedication to creating personalized learning pathways for his students have made him a standout educator in the district.

Maverick's path to becoming a special education teacher is anything but conventional. Originally from the Philippines, he studied Electronics & Communication Engineering and Marketing Management before working in tech companies in Singapore. However, personal circumstances led him to return home to care for his ailing parents, which changed the trajectory of his career.

“My parents’ health issues led me to come back home, and while my siblings supported us financially, I took the responsibility of caregiving,” he explains. “As I thought about long-term options, I realized that the U.S., where my siblings were all citizens, offered better opportunities for my parents. This led me to consider special education, where the demand for teachers was high, and the career path felt more accessible.”

Maverick earned his master's degree in Special Education in the Philippines, then moved to the U.S. to begin teaching in the 2019-2020 school year. He found his home at Willow Glen Middle School, where he’s been dedicated to helping students with Autism thrive academically and socially.

When Maverick began teaching at Willow Glen Middle, his primary goal was to establish stability in his classroom, especially for his students on the Autism Spectrum. He compares this to laying the foundation of a building—without it, nothing else can be built.

“The way people with Autism process information is incredibly intense. It’s like trying to focus on everything at once,” Maverick explains. “To help with that, I focused on creating stability through consistent routines. If students know what to expect, it makes processing information less overwhelming.”

This foundational stability is crucial. As Maverick recalls from his background in engineering, “If the foundation isn't stable, no matter how complex the system, it won’t work. Stability is the most important thing before anything else can fall into place.”

Once he had established classroom stability, Maverick turned his attention to how he could make his lessons more engaging and individualized. He quickly realized that lessons needed to be customized to fit his unique needs, learning speeds, and moods for his students to succeed. However, creating these personalized lessons for each student was time-consuming.

“In my first year of teaching, I manually created worksheets for each student with color-coded instructions,” they recall. “But when the pandemic hit, I needed a more efficient system, so I started creating digital worksheets. However, I knew that wasn’t sustainable either.”

Determined to find a solution, Maverick developed a system using Google Sheets that allowed him to quickly generate customized worksheets for each student. The system also included an auto-checking feature, where answers automatically changed color depending on whether they were correct. This innovation was a game-changer for both Maverick and his students.

“The auto-checking system saved so much time for both me and the students,” Maverick says. “Students can get immediate feedback, which is crucial for their learning. It reduces frustration and allows them to move forward more quickly while also giving me more time to interact with them individually.”

For Maverick, the key to success is recognizing that no two students learn in the same way. Each has a different starting point, pace, and challenges. As part of his strategy, Maverick developed a “train system,” where each lesson is like a stop on a journey, and students move through the lessons at their own pace.

“I give new students an initial assessment to see where they need to start, and returning students get a compressed review before moving on to their current lesson. It’s important to adjust based on each student’s unique approach to learning,” they explain. “Some students may struggle more on certain days due to external factors, like lack of sleep, so it’s vital to remain flexible and make sure they leave class feeling successful.”

In addition, Maverick uses visual strategies, such as color-coding and layout modifications, to keep students engaged and help them focus on key concepts. These methods also encourage independence as students learn to use the tools to solve problems independently.

One of the most striking features of Maverick’s teaching approach is his emphasis on fostering independence in his students. He uses colors and automatic feedback not just to help students complete their work, but to encourage self-sufficiency.

“The colors and automatic checking system were designed to help students become more independent,” Maverick says. “By using colors, I guide their eyes to specific parts of the task. As students gain mastery, I gradually reduce the color guides. This helps them learn to problem-solve on their own, while still having the support they need.”

The immediate feedback system is also vital in ensuring students aren’t left guessing whether they’re on the right track. “If a student gets something wrong, they know right away and can ask for help, which leads to more productive and focused interactions.”

Maverick’s innovative use of technology, individualized instruction, and focus on stability has created a classroom environment where his students not only thrive but also build essential skills for independence. His work extends beyond simply teaching academic content—it’s about fostering confidence, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment.

“The ultimate goal is for students to leave my class not just knowing the material, but believing in themselves and their ability to succeed,” Maverick says. “If they feel confident in their abilities, they can take on new challenges, and that’s the real success.”

At Willow Glen Middle School, Maverick Sy creates a space where every student has the tools and support they need to succeed. Through his dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their students, Maverick is genuinely making a difference in their lives.