Angie Arnaiz ’18 continues to aid families and students with moderate to severe disability as the COVID-19 pandemic moves into the summer.

University of the Pacific alumna Angie Arnaiz continues to aid students with moderate to severe disability as the COVID-19 pandemic moves into the summer.

Arnaiz ’18, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, developed and wrote a guide in March for parents and guardians to help them through the demands of distance learning after schools closed.

She sought to empower those trying to navigate the “changed reality” of home classrooms.

Her efforts went viral. The guide was shared throughout the West Coast and wound up used by several thousand people, according to Christina Rusk, her former Benerd College professor.

Arnaiz, who teaches at Franklin High School in Stockton, has updated the guide. She also taught a session for educators.

“I have added information to the guide to further help parents teach at home,” said Arnaiz, who is working on her master’s degree. “Stockton Unified asked me to teach a professional development course over the summer for teachers of moderate to severe disability.”

Arnaiz made the training about how to support parents at home during distance learning. Approximately 75 participants attended the virtual session.

“It’s awesome seeing how my work has helped others, not just families but other educators in the field,” she said.