An education in the arts helps young individuals with the creative thinking, adaptability and the perseverance needed to navigate an ever-changing world. In special education, the power of art is even more profound—it offers a channel for self-expression, builds confidence and unveils hidden talents.

This March, in honor of Arts in our Schools Month, we invited our arts teachers to share their personal journeys and insights into why art instruction is important in special education schools. From painting and music to cooking and digital media, our teachers are adapting lessons to empower every student. They emphasize that art promotes freedom of expression, helping students relax, think differently, and develop independence. Their stories remind us that no disability can exclude a student from participating—there is always a way to include and celebrate every individual’s creative potential.

Culinary Arts Education
Anthony Luckenbach (Upper School)

“I’ve been teaching special needs students for two years. It’s a calling.”

Background & Inspiration: Chef Anthony has spent 30+ years in the food industry, teaching for 15. After giving a talk at a special education school, he was inspired to begin working with special needs students.

Breakthrough Moment: “Seeing a student who was always quiet light up when completing a project—that’s when you know you’ve reached them.”

Measuring Success: Skills like sanitation, reading recipes, and completing dishes.

Advice to Educators: “Create routines, modify lessons, and meet individual needs. Stay positive—this work opens students’ minds to new paths.”

Music Education
Sarah Morris (Upper School)

“Music is a safe space for so many. I wanted to help make that possible.”

Background & Inspiration: A new teacher who joined Academy360 this year with a K-12 Music and Special Ed certification, Sarah is driven by a personal connection to neurodivergent students.

Breakthrough Moment: “A student who usually doesn’t engage started drawing instruments for me. That connection means everything.”

Measuring Success: Joy, smiles, and participation—even if it looks different for each student.

Advice to Educators: “Patience is key. Ask for help, take breaks when needed. Most of all—have fun and know you’ve got this.”

Art Education
Matthew Williams (Upper School)

“Every student can make meaningful art—it’s about providing the right path.”

Matt Williams, Academy360 Upper School art teacherBackground & Inspiration: Matthew is a professional artist and lifelong educator with a personal connection to special needs through family.

Breakthrough Moment: “Students were thrilled seeing their art displayed in the halls—it built real pride.”

Measuring Success: Growth over time, engagement in creating art.

Advice to Educators: “Patience and enthusiasm motivate students.”

Art & Film Education
Carley Snack (Lower School)

“Talking about art is where real learning happens. That’s what led me to teach.”

Background & Inspiration: An artist since childhood, Carley is passionate about conversations around art.

Breakthrough Moment: “A student won an art contest and their mom hugged me, thanking me for giving her child a voice through art.”

Measuring Success:“Engagement and pride in their work—that’s success. Skills follow naturally.”

Advice to Educators: “Take creative risks with your students. If you’re excited, they’ll be excited.”

Art & Film Education
Joe Kloss (Lower School)

“If students have an interest in the content being produced, then it makes for a more enjoyable and better final product.”

Background & Inspiration: Joe was inspired to work with special needs students after witnessing the positive impact of inclusive classrooms, applying his video production background in helping students with video production and projects.

Breakthrough Moment: “With thanks to the hard work of the speech department, to see a student progress from only being able to vocalize a short sentence or two to introduce the morning announcements to being able to do a longer segment on today’s date or recite the pledge is astounding.”

Measuring Success: “Seeing students being actively engaged in the production of morning announcements and/or the current project in film class feels like a success because if they have an interest in the content being produced, then it makes for a more enjoyable and better final product.”

Advice to Educators: “Patience is key definitely, obviously you’re not going to get the same result you would get in a typical education setting but in some ways it’s a better product because you can see the hard work and determination that the students have put into it.”

Film & Media Education
Janine McCaffrey (Upper School)

“Helping students tell their stories is more rewarding than any film I’ve edited.”

Background & Inspiration: A former film editor turned educator, Janine strives to make a real impact with students.

Breakthrough Moment: “Seeing a student’s film in the Garden State Film Festival—unforgettable.”

Advice to Educators: “Be patient, adapt constantly, and celebrate every win.”

Film & Media Education
Alyssa Currey (Upper School)

“The students’ joy in success inspired me to stay.”

Background & Inspiration: Alyssa is an animator and writer who has found purpose in special education. 

Breakthrough Moment: “Helping a shy student get on camera for the first time—life-changing for them and me.”

Measuring Growth: Confidence, independence, and creative expression on camera and in editing.

Advice to Educators: “Progress takes time—be patient, and it’s all worth it.”

Film & Media Education
David Diianni (Upper School)

Background & Inspiration: David is a former TV producer who thrives on helping students gain real-world media skills.

Breakthrough Moment: “Watching students become confident on camera—huge growth.”

Assessment Tools: Quizzes, hands-on projects, and video portfolios.

Advice to Educators: “Teaching art in special ed reveals hidden talents—it’s a learning experience for both teacher and student.”