Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has initiated an Alumni Spotlight to honor its graduates and highlight their unique journeys. Crystal Adams, a 2001 graduate of Emmerich Manual High School, recently shared her experiences with IPS.

Adams pursued higher education at Grand Canyon University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education in 2022, followed by a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. Her career with IPS began in 2012 as a special education paraprofessional at Rousseau McClellan School 91. She currently works as a special education teacher at Arsenal Technical High School.

Reflecting on her decision to return to IPS as an educator, Adams stated: "Our children deserve more. I want to be able to show empathy and shape our scholars into the people they want to be. They deserve the best and I cannot help them if I am not leading by example."

Adams emphasized the importance of understanding individual learning styles: "Not all students are the same, and if you do not understand or learn their learning style, you will fail the student!"

Offering advice for current students, she said: "Do as much professional development as you can."

Discussing challenges faced at IPS, Adams identified parental involvement as significant: "I believe it is parental involvement. I have realized that until you do something wrong parents will not stay involved." She stressed the importance of maintaining communication with parents to ensure accountability.

Adams has engaged in various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students. "Outside of professional development and professional learning certificates, I've participated in school-wide activities," she noted. Her involvement extends beyond academics, including attending athletic and non-athletic events to support her students.