BSU alum teaches adaptive physical education for special needs

11/12/2015

Stephanie Dawber
Editor-in-Chief

Anselmi teaching in gymnasium.

Alan Anselmi, a BSU alumni, is an Adaptive Physical Education teacher at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph.

The May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is part of the Massachusetts Association of 776 Approved Private Schools (MAAPS). MAAPS is a non-profit association that represents 85 private special education schools across the state.

“I like to emphasize that one of the motivating factors [of teaching] is making something fun,” said Anselmi. “One of my favorite passions is being able to help individuals achieve their goals, and secondly, physical education.”

Anselmi has worked at the May Center School for 17 years in various roles.

“I’ve worked with Alan for many years and have seen children grow and learn with him at their own pace,” said Bridget Anderson, Director of School Services at the May Center School.

Similarly, Danielle Troiano, lead teacher at the May Center School, said, “Alan is always providing positive feedback and support at the May Center School.”

Anselmi earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Bridgewater State University. During his college career, he interned at the Cardinal Cushing School in Hanover in the adaptive physical education program. That was when he fell in love with the approach, and he sees adaptive physical education as a rewarding experience where he gets to teach the fundamentals of motion through play all day long.

Stephanie Dawber is the Editor-in-Chief of The Comment newspaper. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieDawber.