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<\/a>Ashleigh Yturralde, a parent volunteer who helps in the classroom once a week, said she has been impressed to watch how Autio tailors her lessons to the varying needs and proficiency levels of the students she teaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe differentiates everything they do for each individual learner,\u201d Yturralde said. \u201cThat seems insurmountable to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lemon Avenue Principal Natalie Martinez said that differentiation runs like clockwork in Autio\u2019s classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I go in there, there are so many different learning activities going on simultaneously,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Autio said she manages the challenge of multiple grade levels in one classroom by giving the students time to teach and tutor each other, which fosters a sense of collaboration and community.<\/p>\n
An important objective in Autio\u2019s classroom is for students to connect what they\u2019re learning to the world outside the classroom and practicing making a difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cBig ideas start with small steps,\u201d Autio said.<\/p>\n
This often translates into lessons and activities in which students read nonfiction sources in the classroom and then apply what they\u2019ve learned outside, such as recycling on campus or an upcoming Saturday morning field trip with I Love A Clean San Diego to help clean the banks of the San Diego River.<\/p>\n
Autio said her struggle with breast cancer beginning nine years ago changed her perspective on life and showed her the power of a positive spirit and positive thinking \u2014 concepts she works to model for her students.<\/p>\n
\u201cHumor is so important,\u201d Autio said.<\/p>\n
She often reaches into her \u201cbag of tricks\u201d \u2014 which includes items such squeaky toys, a voice modifier and pompoms \u2014 to keep things light and energetic during lessons. The kids love it, said Stella Zimmerman, a parent who also volunteers in the classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe just really teaches with a personal touch, and as a parent, I really appreciate that,\u201d Zimmerman said.<\/p>\n
Born and raised in San Diego, Autio honed a talent for golf at a young age, winning the Junior World Golf Tournament at age 12. Later, as a student at San Diego State University, she discovered another passion: elementary education.<\/p>\n
She earned her bachelor\u2019s degree and teaching credential there and later attended National University for a master\u2019s degree and preliminary administrative credential.<\/p>\n