Ever since The Forum School opened its doors, we have been supporting and preparing the next generation of special educators. In fact, teaching young professionals about autism and effective treatment is engrained in the school’s mission.

“Partnerships with colleges and universities allow future professionals to experience real-world, real-student challenges and successes,” said Brian Detlefsen, school principal. “Most college students come to us with very little hands-on experience. Here, they learn by doing.”

“It is exciting to know that each young educator I meet has the potential to become a future leader in our field.”
– Brian Detlefsen, Forum School Principal

Graduate and undergraduate students from Ramapo College of New Jersey come to The Forum School for fieldwork placement and internship experiences in education. Felician University in Lodi sends nursing students for clinical observations. Future art therapists come to us from The College of New Rochelle; future speech therapists come from Montclair State University to learn.

“Interns and fieldwork students are amazed by what students with autism can achieve and accomplish when they have access to effective, appropriate services,” he concluded.

The partnerships are mutually beneficial. More than half a dozen teachers on The Forum School’s staff were introduced to the school as an intern or student teacher. Detlefsen himself did his student teaching, field work, and practicum work at The Forum School when he was studying to be a special educator and later, to be a school leader.

“The experience brought classroom learning to life, and taught me to apply concepts and ideas to improve the lives of our students,” he said. “It is exciting to know that each young educator I meet has the potential to become a future leader in our field.”