We are proud to announce that Melissa Fary has been named the 2024–25 recipient of the Heather Ginden Aviator Award of Excellence! 🎉
Melissa describes the honor as “absolutely incredible and unbelievable,” and those who know her can see why she was chosen. She embodies kindness, positivity, and joy in everything she does—whether leading her department with warmth, mentoring new teachers, cheering on her colleagues, or inspiring her students through creativity and innovation.
From creating over 100 YouTube lessons during the pandemic to organizing spirited community events like A December to Remember, Melissa has consistently gone above and beyond to make learning meaningful and fun. Her impact extends beyond AERO, too—through her work as an adjunct professor, she prepares the next generation of educators to serve children with diverse needs.
Melissa’s journey reflects her belief that every child is defined not by their disability, but by their strengths, interests, and potential. Her leadership, resilience, and joyful spirit are felt across our community every single day.
💛 Please join us in congratulating Melissa on this well-deserved recognition!
So happy for you 💕🥰💕
Congratulations Melissa! 🎉
Great job Melissa!!!💐
Congratulations
Congratulations Miss Fary! Well deserved for the absolute best!! We are forever grateful and blessed to have you in our lives, we appreciate you and all the love you pour into your students!
Congratulations to Melissa Fary on this incredible achievement! 🙌
Congratulations Ms.Fary🎉
Congratulations!!! You deserve it ❤️
Congratulations
Congratulations 🎉
Welcome to the A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative
A.E.R.O. is a low incidence special education cooperative located in Burbank, Illinois.
Since 1963 A.E.R.O. has provided special education programming and an array of related services to students with disabilities residing in the eleven member school districts. The eleven member districts have joined together to maximize their resources and provide a full continuum of special education services.
We provide a safe and nurturing learning environment and are committed to promoting inclusive efforts to maximize the success of students. A.E.R.O. encourages the involvement of students with disabilities as active members in the classroom, school, and community.
We hope you enjoy our website, which was designed to provide helpful information to the community, parents, students, and staff who work with and are served by the Cooperative. Please let us know if you have any ideas which might help us improve our site by contacting us.
Learn More About
Learn more about A.E.R.O.’s comprehensive special education programs
by selecting a program.
We are Connecting and Partnering
Your organization or business can help our young adults with
special needs transition into the world!
Find out more information about our partnerships and
how your business can help contribute.
