Inspiring story the world’s first preschool teacher with Down syndrome

A woman rejected by school as a “monster” because of her Down syndrome has defied expectations.

Noelia Garella’s, 31, from Argentinia, has gone on to become a preschool teacher. Her appointment has not only served to challenge the taboo often faced by others with her condition – it’s also set a precedent, AFP reports.

As a child Ms Garella herself was barred from attending one day care centre, with the director telling her parents, “No monsters here”, reports 9 news.

While Ms Garella’s application for the job initially faced opposition, teachers, parents and the city’s mayor alike eventually threw their support behind the proposition.

“With time, even those who had been opposed joined in the initiative to hire Noe as a teacher,” said Alejandra Senestrari, the former director of Ms Garella’s school.

“We very quickly realised that she had a strong vocation. She gave what the children in the nursery classes most appreciate, which is love.”

Ms Garella said she “adores” her job and said she enjoys teaching them how to read and listen.

“Because in society people have to listen to one another,” she said.

Such an inspiration!

Share your comments below.

Image via 9news

23 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 09 Dec 2021
    11:05 am
I work with special needs children and they really are amazing and can go on to do wonderful things. The person that called her a monster should feel very ashamed of themselves.

- - ella12 said
  - 21 Feb 2017
    4:15 pm
Wow, how amazing, good on her.

- - mom81879 said
  - 09 Jan 2017
    8:22 pm
What an inspiring story. Can’t beat a story with a happy ending. I bet she’s a valued member of the classroom too

- - curlytops said
  - 05 Dec 2016
    9:05 pm
Finally the world is changing for the better.

- - tessie said
  - 13 Nov 2016
    11:36 am
Finally a teacher who knows how to get down and interact with the littlies. I don’t take any notice of her down syndrome just that she loves kids and they love her. It’s the love in her heart that matters more than anything.

- - mom134803 said
  - 13 Nov 2016
    7:30 am
I LOVE it !! How promising is this !
Hopefully one day my girlie can fulfill her dreams as well in finding a respectful job 🙂

- - rovermum said
  - 31 Oct 2016
    10:20 am
What a fantastic end result. For anyone to call anybody a monster is just horrible. This girl has so much to offer the world and these children. I’m so pleased that someone saw through the discrimination and nasty comments and gave her an opportunity. Everyone will benefit.

- - neat22 said
  - 29 Oct 2016
    10:23 am
Monster? Its the humans that said such words that are the monsters..How wonderful. Yes lets break those taboos. Lets break preconceived ideas to the truth. People put in the barriers and assumptions.

- - mom71495 said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    11:29 pm
How precious is her love for these little ones. People with down syndrome and capable of working and they do understand they are very intelligent people. I am so glad she has been given the chance to prove her worth and ability. Good for you Noelia.

- - robyn_smithwick said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    11:15 pm
Good on her! She deserves to have a wonderful job. She looks as if she really loves her job.

- - Beck1986 said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    9:33 pm
I love this story by the sounds of it to me she would be a great teacher and will help get the kids to listen well and she sounds like she really loves her job which is what many people in that profession lack! not all some teachers are wonderful but i have met many that haven’t really got much good to say about their job which is a shame and i think this young lady is a breath of fresh air!

- - mom101628 said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    8:55 pm
Fantastic that this lady has been given a chance to demonstrate that she can be a teacher at a kindergarten. Bet she is the most loved by all the children.

- - not_amanda said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    8:55 pm
How wonderful she got a job she loves! I can only hope the same for my daughter who also has Down syndrome.

- - lspew said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    1:43 pm
This is amazing. More children need to be exposed to people with disabilties tto help them understand that they are people just like themselves.

- - MelissaK said
  - 28 Oct 2016
    9:29 am
What an inspiration, i can’t believe someone with such a beautiful heart was labeled a monster, she’s gorgeous and courageous.

- - nealsq said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    10:20 pm
see anyone can follow their dreams!

- - june11 said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    10:13 pm
She is teaching at a pre-school – equivalent to kindergarten, not a primary school. She may be one who is very intelligent and did very well at school. Some do. She obviously loves her job, not like some who do it only for the money… and only enough to earn it too. Little ones need to learn to listen quietly not talk all the time. Some like to read with the staff. Why discourage the children??

- - mom81879 said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    6:34 pm
Don’t you have to go to university for qualifications to be a teacher? How did she pass? Or did she even do the course?

- - mom112217 said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    5:25 pm
Wonderful news and l bet she is excellent at her job!

- - mom64356 said
  - 27 Oct 2016
    5:20 pm
People with Down syndrome are so loving and such happy people. Teaching children would be such an appropriate thing for a person with Down syndrome. I hope this paves the way for many more job opportunities, what a great role model she is!