AIMS Adam Milaszewski describes himself as approachable, lover of learning new things

Adam Milaszewski can often be found at his desk in room 135 of the Academic Individualized Mainstream Support room (AIMS), while the other AIMS teacher, Kathy Olson, is right next door in 133. 

Each day, Milaszewski helps autistic students complete work for their classes and access various accommodations listed in their IEPs (individualized education plans), ensuring they have full access to school.  “I write [IEPs] and make sure that we are in compliance with them,” he said.  

Milaszewski grew up in Salem, Mass., and went to school at St John’s The Evangelist in Beverly and Bishop Fenwick in Peabody. He has a bachelor’s in experimental psychology from Emmanual College in Boston. “So much Catholic school, even though my family is not religious,” he joked.

Adam wanted to become a teacher because he did not enjoy the strictness of many of his teachers. “Going to Catholic school as a neurodivergent learner was pretty horrible,” he said. “I always felt misunderstood and stupid.”

Milaszewski initially wanted to teach at the college level and conduct research, but his life took him on a different journey and he now enjoys supporting high school students.

When in high school himself, he said he ran for student council president out of a distaste for the school system and ended up being picked for the role. “High school was equally difficult, though becoming student body president out of sheer spite remains a highlight,” he said.

Milaszewski enjoys the community at ARHS, especially in special education. “I love supporting students [to find their] infinite potential and helping them access a love for learning while surviving high school,” he said.

There were some challenges when Milaszewski first came to ARHS such as being one of the only two running the ship at AIMS. “When I first started, I would say getting to know people and learning how things worked at ARHS were not easy,” he said.

Milaszewski’s goal as a teacher as well as a human being is to be approachable. “I want people to be able and willing to share their thoughts and problems with me,” he said.

In his free time, Milaszewski enjoys collecting art and learning new things, such as photography and the program Procreate. “My hobbies change frequently,” he said. “I’m always passionate about mental health and I love diving into random research topics.”