This week, we’re showing our #CPSDPride by giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Dower Elementary School with special education (SPED) teacher Caroline Brandau and fourth grader Rose Gonzalez-Lopez.

Caroline works with students from kindergarten through fifth grade who need special education support in math, reading, writing and social emotional learning. “I came to teaching after working through nonprofits,” she said. “I wanted to move into the classroom to make a direct impact in students’ lives and that’s when I joined Dower. I’ve loved being a Dragon ever since.”

Caroline enjoys working at Dower because each of the educators she partners with center students and families in decision making and are always willing to collaborate to bring the best out of their kids. “I get to know these students for at least three years and often times longer,” she said. “I love collaborating with their families and gen-ed teachers to break down barriers and bring out each student’s talents.”

Caroline is an advocate and recently, she has been proud of her work with families at Dower to build an education support group for families with students in SPED. “The families that participated were really happy to have found a community of support,” she said. “Learning and connecting with people who have shared your experience is very rewarding.” 

After starting fourth grade this month, Rose is excited for the year to come. “So far it’s been really fun, and I like my teacher a lot because she speaks Spanish which helps me feel more connected and engaged,” she said. “Another thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of kids came back to school a lot taller this year too!”

Rose has attended Dower since kindergarten and is proud of all the ways she’s grown. “One area in class where it’s been really noticeable is math,” she said. “I’ve also become a much better reader and like reading to learn about things I’m interested in like dogs. That’s also why I like science.”

Rose loves helping other people and excited to shine in her role as a bus helper this year. When she grows up, she wants to continue helping people by either joining the Army like her brother or becoming a doctor like her brother’s girlfriend. She finds both people and professions inspiring.