The Guild School is recognizing staff members who have gone above and beyond to support students in and out of the classroom in celebration of Educator Appreciation Week from May 4 – 8. Classroom teachers, teaching assistants, clinical and vocational staff, student services, transition services, and residential services all work together to monitor progress and adjust the IEP to ensure that each student is progressing toward their highest level of achievement.

The Guild hosted a webinar and panel discussion expanding on the themes of the documentary, "We Need to Talk". The panelists explored personal AAC stories, common barriers and solutions to inclusive community environments, and discussion for improving communication accessibility in healthcare, education, and business.

The recording of the webinar is available here.

Teaching Assistant Nerline Desjardins has been working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and significant behavioral challenges at The Guild for more than two decades. She worked as a residential assistant for 10 years before transitioning to a teaching assistant 11 years ago.

What do Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Big Sean, Mike Daniels, and LeBron James have in common? They all do yoga.

For students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), access to supportive break spaces in schools is an essential part of their learning. These areas provide a quiet and structured environment where students can step away from overwhelming situations, calm their emotions, and practice self-regulation skills. Students can then return to the classroom with a renewed sense of focus and readiness. At The Guild, we understand the importance of designing these spaces to feel supportive and empowering instead of isolating or punitive. 

Dental hygiene is an important part of overall health for anyone. At The Guild School, faculty from Tufts Dental Facilities visit 3-4 times per year to do cleanings and dental exams for students in an environment that’s familiar and comfortable for them. The dentist can schedule more intensive appointments (like fixing damaged teeth or surgery) at their office in Canton or refer the patient to a specialist, if necessary.

At the spring dance, students, residents, and staff alike came together to dance to and sing along with the hits of the 80s and 90s. The event showcases our community shining brightly together, highlighted by moments of joy, independence and empowerment. The Guild has held an annual formal dance for students for more than 40 years. When the adult program began 10 years ago, the residents were invited to attend as well. The dance has been a staple of The Guild culture and an event everyone looks forward to each year.

For more than 7 years, The Guild School has operated a coffee shop where roughly 300 students have been able to gain valuable work experience. Students work in 30-minute increments and are responsible for setting up the equipment, taking and preparing orders, operating the cash register, delivering to offices around the building, and cleaning up when the day is done. About 30 coffees are distributed during the two hours the Coffee Shop is open each weekday.

One year ago, The Guild School launched Without Walls, a curriculum designed to learn and practice functional skills in community-based settings. The program is implemented in all classrooms with a particular focus on independent living skills for youth preparing for the transition to adult programming at the age of 22. Educators deliver lesson plans in the classroom and students have the chance to put what they’ve learned into practice on an accompanying community trip.

The Guild for Human Services is one of 17 organizations participating in a work group as part of the Community Life Engagement (CLE) in Action Project.