The world's first girl with Down syndrome becomes a kindergarten teacher

AFP news agency said Ms. Garella became the first person with Down syndrome to work as a kindergarten teacher in Argentina, and is a rare case in the world.

As a child, Noelia Garella was rejected by her kindergarten because she was considered a “monster”. And now, at 31 years old, she has her own classroom. Her childhood dream of becoming a teacher has come true.

Garella’s case is truly exceptional, and is considered to set a precedent for someone with a cognitive disorder being able to teach a class. However, what people see in her classroom is what she truly brings to the children with her love.

Teacher Garella is happy with her students. AFP PHOTO

At the Jermonito Kindergarten, located in the northern city of Cordoba, Argentina, students as young as 2 and 3 years old can be seen surrounding her. They sit engrossed in listening to the teacher read stories and watching her imitate the gestures of the animals in the story.

“I love this job. When I was a child I always wanted to be a teacher because I love children,” teacher Garella told AFP.

Her passion for teaching made her colleagues hire her to work at this school.

While many were skeptical that she should take on childcare, many teachers, parents, and even the mayor of the city were supportive. They considered it and decided there was no reason why Ms. Garella couldn’t teach reading classes for 2- and 3-year-olds.

The school’s leadership said they recognized the girl’s talent as a teacher. She showered the children in her class with compliments from her heart.

Garella first worked in the public education system in the city of Cordoba in 2012, as a reading assistant.

When people call Ms. Garella a “monster”, she confidently says that she is a happy monster.

“I always feel happy when I am with the children. The parents love me and the teachers and principal are all wonderful,” she shared.

She started teaching, along with another teacher, at Jermonito Kindergarten this January.

According to Thanhnien