At the Allegan Tech Center, Aundria Meyer leads the Employability Skills Program with compassion and an understanding that every student's path to success is different. With four years of experience in education and a diverse background that includes time spent outside the classroom, Meyer brings a unique perspective to her teaching. She views her students as family, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their growth with a strong sense of mentorship and teamwork.
Before transitioning into education, Meyer’s experience outside the classroom, including her role as a stay-at-home parent, shaped her approach to teaching. She understands the importance of foundational employability skills and is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need for success in adulthood. Holding degrees in both Communications and Special Education, Meyer emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills—an often-overlooked yet crucial component for making a positive first impression in the workforce.
For Meyer, the most rewarding aspect of teaching employability skills is knowing that these lessons will benefit students far beyond the classroom. She instills in her students the value of attendance, hygiene, social skills, and workplace initiative—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. “These are not just job skills,” she explains, “they are life skills.”
Teaching employability skills presents unique challenges, particularly in ensuring that students understand their own value and develop a sense of community. Meyer believes that students with special needs bring incredible opportunities to the workforce and encourages them to see employment as more than just a job—it’s a chance to belong. She collaborates with respected local organizations to provide enriching real-world experiences, creating strong worksite partnerships that promote inclusion and growth.
Meyer fosters a classroom environment built on teamwork, emphasizing the concept of “we” rather than “I.” She credits the support of her paraeducator and past mentors for helping shape her approach, and she strives to provide that same level of support to her students. By modeling a collaborative mindset, she prepares her students for the teamwork required in professional settings.
Transitioning into education later in life has given Meyer a deep appreciation for the impact that employability skills have on the community. She recognizes that a solid foundation in these skills not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the local workforce. “By equipping students with the necessary skills to secure and maintain employment, we are helping build a stronger, more capable community,” she states.
While her class does not offer certification in a trade, it provides students—especially those with disabilities—a critical starting point in the workforce. Meyer ensures that students are prepared for adulthood by teaching them to navigate the world independently and utilize community resources. She firmly believes that every student, regardless of ability, has something valuable to contribute to society and should never be underestimated.
For those considering a career in special education, Meyer advises keeping an open mind about different teaching styles and having patience with students’ growth. “Compassion and advocacy are key,” she says. She also encourages embracing the raw, unfiltered moments of teaching, finding joy in the genuine interactions she shares with her students. “They laugh with me, and sometimes at me, but it makes every moment worth it.”
Meyer hopes to leave a lasting impact on her students by instilling in them the confidence to be themselves. “It’s okay if others don’t believe in you,” she says, “as long as you believe in yourself.”
When she’s not in the classroom, Meyer enjoys traveling, spending summers by the lake, and gardening—something she calls her therapy. With a bachelor's degree in communications and a recently earned master's in special education, Meyer embraces challenges with the belief that anything worthwhile takes dedication and effort. Her passion for education and advocacy ensures that her students leave the Tech Center with the confidence and skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.