Researcher in Training, SOLE Central, Newcastle University
Nominee: Sugata Mitra
Natalia Arredondo received her bachelor’s degree in special education in Colombia and later migrated to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies in special education at Columbia University. From 2003 to 2006, she worked in Pittsburgh Public Schools, and later moved to New York City to work as a special educator for the Public School system up until 2013. While in New York, she piloted the Nest Program and the Intensive Kindergarten to integrate students with autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s syndrome into regular education. As a result of this endeavor, she published the article “When New Things are Exciting” at Asperger’s Digest. Natalia also served as a lecturer at Hunter College in New York City, where she provided professional development to graduate students and teachers. In 2012, Natalia piloted a dual language classroom in New York City in PS 112. As part of an inquiry-based approach, Natalia applied Professor Sugata Mitra’s self-organized learning method. In 2013, Natalia began her Ph.D. studies under the mentorship of Professor Mitra.
