Texas Special Education Teacher Completes AI Tools Training for Classroom Use
Minerva Catahay, a special education teacher at Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School in Killeen Independent School District, completed Microsoft Learn's "Apply AI Tools in Special Education Environments" training on April 1, 2026. The course adds to her work in a self-contained classroom where she develops Individualized Education Programs, tracks academic and behavioral data, and coordinates with families and service providers.
Catahay holds a doctorate and nursing degree and brings more than two decades of teaching experience from the Philippines, where she served as a Master Teacher and instructional coach before moving to Texas in 2024.
Training Focused on Classroom Needs
The training addresses how educators can evaluate and apply AI tools within existing instructional and compliance frameworks. In special education settings serving students with moderate to profound needs, tools are typically assessed on whether they support instruction, communication, progress monitoring, and daily classroom structure.
"Classroom tools are most useful when they support the daily needs of students and teachers in practical ways," Catahay said. "Training helps educators evaluate which methods can support instruction, communication, and progress tracking in a structured setting."
Broader Professional Development Pattern
The AI training appears alongside other recent professional development in Catahay's record, including TELPAS training, ESL TExES certification preparation, classroom management training, and coursework in special education collaboration. This pattern reflects active engagement with language support, behavior management, compliance documentation, and instructional practice.
In her current role, Catahay delivers adapted instruction across subject areas, supervises paraprofessionals, and maintains compliance with state and federal special education standards. She also serves as Lead Teacher of the Visiting International Teacher Program for Killeen ISD.
Her skill set includes IEP development and monitoring, differentiated instruction, data-driven assessment, behavior management, and instructional coaching. In self-contained classrooms, these functions typically operate as part of a single daily workflow rather than separately.
For educators seeking to understand how AI tools fit into special education practice, the AI Learning Path for Teachers covers classroom applications, lesson planning, and educational technology. Additional resources on AI for Education address broader instructional support strategies.
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