Maura Mazza

Mazza’s innovative teaching idea, “Life Skills Lessons,” focuses on how the definition of "Life Skills" helps a person function well in adult life – skills that so many take for granted. This project allows students to develop and practice the skills that will allow them to be more independent adults and will serve as an opportunity for mild to moderate cognitively impaired students to explore cooking and learn about nutrition, healthy eating and sanitary kitchens. Life skills addressing budgeting, sequencing, planning and organization will also be taught. This project will give the students a chance to practice their communication and serving skills, as they take orders from the staff, collect money, make change and serve the food.