An Autistic Teacher’s Journey: Helping Special Needs Children in Spain with Max Powell

In this exciting episode, I sit down with Max Powell, an American-Canadian who has lived in Spain for nearly 4 years and is currently part of the NALCAP program and he is autistic who helps children in the special needs education system in Spain. He gets paid to teach in Spain for the government. Max shares his incredible journey of living abroad, and we dive deep into the ins and outs of his experience.
In this episode, we discuss:

• Max’s journey abroad: How he ended up in Spain and what led him to live and work there.

• NALCAP program: What is it, how do you get approved, and what’s the process like to secure a teaching position in Spain?

• Instituto Franklin: Max’s experience navigating the program and balancing it with his master's degree.

• Special needs education in Spain: Max gives an insightful look into the special education system in Spain, including what services are available for kids with special needs and the differences across regions like Madrid, the Basque Country, and Andalusia.

• School systems and resources: From therapy sessions to special education teachers, Max explains how Spain’s schools provide support for children with special needs.

• The public school experience: Max offers insights into bilingual schools, English-speaking children in public schools, and what the classroom dynamics are like.

• Life in Spain: What he loves about living in Spain, including the people and his favorite spots like Benalmádena.

• Final advice: Max’s secret to making your move abroad happen, especially for those who are on the fence.

If you’ve ever considered teaching abroad or moving to Spain, or if you’re curious about special needs programs in the Spanish school system, this episode is packed with valuable information and advice.

Want to connect with Max?

Connect with him on his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/max_teaching_english?igsh=MTdoOW4xeWt2OWs4Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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