Batesville family credits Special Ed. teacher for helping son

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – A Batesville family is thanking a teacher for going above and beyond for their son and other students.

10-year-old Nolan Miller is a fourth grader at Batesville Intermediate and is non-verbal and autistic. 

He's taught by Mrs. Jennifer Gray who is a Special Education Teacher for third through fifth graders. 

Over the past few years, Nolan has faced health challenges that have included surgery, hospital stays, and even a broken leg at one point. 

While he was hospitalized, Mrs. Gray contacted his family on a daily basis to check on how he was doing.

"She even had her class make him get well cards to send to the hospital," said Nolan's mom.

Nolan’s mom, Kayla, says Gray continues to be a major factor in his growth, development and learning. 

“Everyone who sees Nolan says he has come such a long way and I believe Mrs. Gray played a huge part in this,” Kayla said.  

His mom added that Gray isn’t just making a difference for Nolan but also has a positive impact for other students on a daily basis.

“Having a child with special needs can be so stressful. You often worry if your child is being included. I know he is always being included in her class,” she said. 

Nolan is popular among classmates and has many friends this year. He can often be found wearing his favorite Smurf hat.

His mom says the success he's having in school is directly attributed to Mrs. Gray. 

“You send your kids to school all day, Monday to Friday, and you wonder if they are having a good day. I know for a fact that he is having a great day with her as his teacher,” Kayla added. 

We asked Kayla what she thinks Nolan would say about Mrs. Gray:

She responded, “I know that Nolan would say that Mrs. Gray is the best teacher ever and he loves her!”