Glendale special-ed teacher works to ‘be the light’ in students’ lives

GLENDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- When Arizona’s Family surprised high school teacher Morgan Novelli with a Silver Apple Award for excellence in education, we had no idea the impact it would have on her. Ms. Morgan, as her students at Autism Academy in Glendale call her, is a second-year educator.“It means everything,” she said. “Honestly, it means more because I went through something last week. My grandpa passed away, and he was my biggest advocate for teaching special education. So, I wish he could see this, but he’s up there seeing it right now. It means more than I can express.”

It was her grandpa’s words that pushed her toward her calling. “I think the words I remember most is to ‘Just be the light. Be the light in people’s lives,’” she said.

Judging by the essay written by student Skylar Camblin, Ms. Morgan is the light. “I have autism, and, like others in my class, Ms. Morgan has been a positive impact on our education,” Skylar said. “During COVID 2020, I was online. It was difficult, but she offered remarkable support during the time of learning. She would take time to explain any worries I had with any subject, making learning much easier.”

“That’s amazing,” Novelli responded. “That’s amazing. Can I give her a hug? Thank you.”

With the help of our partners at Arizona Bank & Trust, the Silver Apple is much more than a molded trophy. It comes with a $1,000 check. All of this is meant to recognize Novelli for the amazing impact she’s had in her students’ lives.

“I think it means I am making a difference, and that’s the best part,” Novelli said. “A lot of times, we can get in a rut and not know if we’re making a difference or not. But hearing these words, you know how much of a difference you are making. And just telling your students how much you love them and care for them, that might be the only time they hear it that day. I think that’s the biggest thing I want them to know, how proud I am of them every single day.”

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