SDCCU recognizes Ms. Alicia Linder, a teacher with San Diego Unified, who transforms personal tragedy into advocacy for students with disabilities.

SAN DIEGO — Ms. Alicia Linder, an Adapted Physical Education teacher with San Diego Unified School District, received recognition as this month’s “Classroom Hero” from San Diego County Credit Union for her exceptional advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities.

Personal tragedy inspired Ms. Linder’s unwavering dedication to her students. Her daughter Charley lived with DeBarsy Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. “She was in a wheelchair, she had a G-tube for feeding, she had a seizure disorder, was legally blind and non-speaking,” said Ms. Linder. Charley’s death in 2015 transformed Ms. Linder’s career into a calling. “I was the lucky one. Charley taught me more in her short 12 years than I could have learned in a lifetime,” said Ms. Linder.

Ms. Linder now serves students across multiple elementary school sites within the San Diego Unified School District, designing individualized movement experiences and conducting motor assessments aligned with students’ IEP goals. Her transformative approach has earned recognition from colleagues. “She has taken such a personal trauma and loss and really be able to turn that into how do I take my personal tragedy and make the world a better place,” said Lauren Robinson, Principal at Hawthorne Elementary.

Her commitment extends beyond the classroom. “Coach Linder, as you can see she is down there with the kids; she comes from a place of knowing,” said Jacob DeGering, a case manager for children with extensive support needs.

Ms. Linder encourages others to recognize her students for their abilities rather than their disabilities. She honors Charley’s memory through her daily work. “She was a big sister, she was a horseback rider, she was a swimmer, she was an amazing kid and she has a memorial tree up where she did her horseback riding,” said Ms. Linder.

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The San Diego County Credit Union award included a $500 Visa Gift Card. The grand prize winner of the CBS 8 and SDCCU partnership will receive a five-day getaway to the Kona Kai San Diego Resort with spa treatments, food and fun activities. Teachers can submit nominations by clicking here.