Mautone teaches preschool children with autism at Wallace Elementary School in Hoboken and has become a key advocate nationwide for using technology to teach autistic students and other children with disabilities. (MyVeronaNJ.com profiled Mautone and his then-favorite education apps in 2012.) He received his bachelor’s degree from Kean University and his master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University, which celebrated his selection today.
“Mark is a passionate advocate for effective education for students with special needs,” said Kenneth Reeve, Ph.D., a Caldwell University professor of applied behavior analysis. “He is a wonderful role model for other professionals in the fields of applied behavior analysis and education.” Caldwell was the first college or university in the state of New Jersey to offer a master’s in applied behavior analysis.
In its press release, the state noted that Mautone has given presentations from New York City to San Francisco on topics such as using apps to help children with disabilities. “Mr. Mautone has a deep enthusiasm for helping his students overcome the challenges they face so that they can receive the best experience possible in the classroom. Yet his dedication to the success of disabled students extends far beyond the classroom,” said Acting Education Commissioner Hespe. “He is an inspiration to teachers, parents and members of the community.”
In addition to his involvement with autism support groups and tech workshops for teachers, Mautone is also an advisor to a program to help children with autism attend church services. He is a member the Autism Task Force of the National Catholic Partnership for Disability. The state honor makes Mautone eligible for the national teacher of the year award, which is announced in April.
