At YES Prep North Forest Elementary, Auriana Smith leads with both heart and expertise in her SHINE 2 classroom, serving students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities. Recognized with a Level IV designation, Auriana has spent the past three years building an environment where her students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
This year brought a milestone moment: two of Auriana’s students successfully transitioned out of the SHINE classroom into programs with greater access to general education. It was an achievement celebrated not just by the students, but by the entire community. She also worked to integrate her class into the broader school community through shared activities and campus events. For Auriana, the growth wasn’t limited to her students;, she also takes pride in the collaboration and professional development she’s seen among the faculty she works with.
Finding Her Path
Auriana’s journey to teaching began outside the classroom. She first worked as a behavioral therapist in a clinic for children with autism, where she developed a strong connection to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Yet she longed for more flexibility and creativity. That opportunity came when she became a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom.
“It felt familiar yet offered something more:, academic learning combined with behavior support,” she recalled. “That’s where I truly found my passion, thanks to the guidance of incredible mentors who inspired me to pursue teaching.”
When the chance came to lead her own classroom, Auriana knew she had found her calling. “These students need an individualized, thoughtful approach to learning, and I wanted the chance to design meaningful experiences and create a classroom environment that celebrates who they are. I began my first year as a teacher at YES Prep Public Schools, and it’s been the most fulfilling path I could’ve taken.”
Collaboration at the Core
For Auriana, teaching students with significant cognitive disabilities requires a deep commitment to teamwork. She credits her growth to the willingness to learn from everyone around her—from speech therapists and occupational therapists to parents and fellow educators.
“I’ve learned so much by asking questions and listening to others,” she said. “Collaboration is everything.”
Among the many colleagues who have shaped her journey, one stands out: Nia Wilkerson-Aviles, the teaching assistant in her classroom.
“While her official title may be ‘teaching assistant,’ I don’t like to use that term—she’s not just assisting;, she’s the other educator in the room,” Auriana explained. “She’s the other half of my brain. She helps me delegate, grounds me when things feel overwhelming, and supports both me and our students in every way imaginable. Any teacher lucky enough to have support like Nia should invest deeply in that relationship—it makes all the difference.”
Why YES Prep
Auriana sees YES Prep as a unique place for educators to grow alongside their students.
“YES Prep gives you the flexibility to meet students where they are and grow with them,” she shared. “It’s a place where growth isn’t just expected from students—it’s encouraged for educators, too. That kind of support and autonomy is rare, and it’s made all the difference in my teaching journey.”
Her advice to new teachers echoes her own approach: lean into the support around you.
“You’re not in this alone,” she said. “There’s a whole network of people who want to see you and your students succeed. Some days will be tough, but having the humility to rely on your village and grow through the experience will make all the difference.”
In this installment of our TIA-Level IV Teacher Spotlight series, we proudly celebrate Auriana Smith and the incredible progress she is driving at YES Prep North Forest Elementary.