Angele Bohling, Northlake Elementary
“Hey, slow down please!” Angele Bohling calls out, her voice echoing down the hallway as a student sprints past her at Northlake Elementary School.
It’s just after 4 p.m., and the usually lively halls — filled with the scutter of students moving between classes — have quieted. Now, only the low hum of after-school programs lingers in the background.
As the campus’s early childhood special education teacher, Bohling works with some of the school’s youngest learners, providing individualized support that helps build a strong foundation for their growth.
“I teach young students with disabilities how to communicate their wants and needs and how to advocate for themselves,” she explains. “Big feelings in little bodies are hard to navigate, so I teach students how to collaborate and play with one another.”
Her instruction often happens through play and modeling. Bohling demonstrates how to take turns while sorting colored blocks, guides students in using scissors to build fine motor skills or narrates emotional regulation in real time — saying, “I’m mad. I need a calm-down space,” to help students put their feelings into words.
Bohling’s profound love for teaching special education didn’t happen overnight.
She began her career in general education in 2000 after graduating from Texas A&M University – Commerce. She later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas at Dallas, initially planning to pursue a path to the principalship.
But over time, she realized the classroom was where she could make the greatest impact.
Photography by Lauren Allen
After 26 years in education, she made a pivotal shift, transitioning into special education about four years ago — a move she says quickly reaffirmed her purpose.
“I like helping the (students) that struggle. To me, it’s more rewarding when you can make that connection and bring that next step in special education,” she says.
In her classroom, each day follows a carefully structured routine designed to support both learning and communication.
She begins each day by greeting students at the door, allowing them to choose how they want to be welcomed, before guiding them through a mix of whole-group instruction and small-group centers. Much of the learning takes place through play-based activities where she and her assistants work closely with students on the floor, incorporating visuals and hands-on engagement.
“Some people think we just play all day, but that’s really how I’m able to assess and teach,” she adds. “Many of my students are nonverbal, so we’re constantly working on communication – using visuals, core boards, anything that helps give them language.”
School leaders say Bohling’s impact is felt well beyond her classroom.
“Ms. Bohling is pure magic in the classroom. She has an incredible ability to meet each student exactly where they are and communicate in a way that helps them feel seen, understood and capable,” says Anna Coutant, principal of Northlake Elementary. “Because of her, our youngest learners are not only growing; they are thriving.”
For Bohling, her love for teaching is most meaningful in the moments she shares with students, especially the ones she doesn’t always get to see grow up.
She recalls a recent open house, when a former student, now in second grade, ran up to greet her.
“He came in with his mom and dad and said, ‘Ms.Bohling!’ and gave me a big hug,” she says excitedly. “He told me, ‘I have to come see you every year because you’re my favorite teacher.’”
Since many of her students move on to other schools, moments like these are rare, but lasting.
“He then told me, ‘You helped me talk,’” she says proudly. “And I said, ‘I did help you talk.’”
