By Iram Arce
One of the many new faces at Pueblo Magnet High School this school year is Mr. Ron Brouillette, who is a teacher assistant for Ms. Rebecca Baltos, an exceptional education teacher.
He is a graduate from the University of Arizona and Columbia University, and he earned a PhD in international development administration, focusing on exceptional education with an emphasis on deafness.
Brouillette applied for a Fulbright scholarship, which allowed him to move to Africa for 25 years, opening schools for the deaf.
“Africa was so wonderful, the people were natural and joyful,” Brouillette said. “I opened schools for the deaf to get them into school.”
Brouillette grew up with a deaf brother, inspiring him to dedicate his life working with people who are in need of special assistance.
“My brother taught me about disabilities,” he said. “I lived with him and lived through him, and I felt the struggles he endured.”
After 25 years in Africa, Brouillette returned to Tucson to support his daughter, who is attending the U of A. He added that it was at this time that he applied for the job here at Pueblo as a teacher’s assistant.
He said that Ms. Baltos helps him guide and support any of the students’ needs.
“Working with Ms. Baltos has been a true delight,” Brouillette said. “She’s a real pro and knows what she is doing.”
He paused and added, “These kids [at Pueblo] are smart. They just need a little push, and I’m the one who will give them a little nudge in order to help them live a successful life.”