HWDSB staff win Ontario Council for Exceptional Children awards
The Ontario Council for Exceptional Children (Ontario CEC) has announced HWDSB staff members as winners of its 2020 President’s Awards.
Ontario CEC is a community of educators and partners in learning who are the voice and vision of special education in Ontario. Locally, Ontario CEC Chapter 289 recently announced three winners at HWDSB.
“We have outstanding staff serving students who receive special education supports,” said Peggy Blair, Superintendent of Student Achievement, Specialized Services. “We are deeply thankful for the work they do and thank Ontario CEC for being a partner who shares our respect for those who support our students.”
Please see the Ontario CEC announcement and descriptions below.
CEC Chapter 289 is proud to announce the following HWDSB winners for 2020 President’s Awards.
President’s Award to an Educational Support Professional: Andrea Link (Guy B. Brown Elementary School)
Andrea is an Educational Assistant at Guy Brown who is known to be a strong advocate for students both with their academic and social learning goals. She is described by her colleagues as being consistent, flexible and innovative. Andrea is an excellent role model for students and keeps the ultimate goal of building strong student independence at the forefront. Her positive qualities and developed skills makes her a perfect candidate for this award.
Congratulations Andrea from the Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter 289.
President’s Award to Teacher of the Year: Kristie Rusan (Billy Green Elementary School)
Kristie is a primary class teacher at Billy Green school who has demonstrated strong teaching and leadership skills during her career. She is an advocate for all her students’ learning needs incorporating full inclusion within her classroom setting. She is a reflective educator who advances her own skills through research, practise and collaboration with school board and community colleagues.
Kristie is a team player who supports her colleagues by sharing her own experiences and knowledge base as they build together a strong foundation for all students at Billy Green. She is truly deserving of the President’s Award to Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations Kristie from the Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter 289.
Jackie Trapp Memorial Award: Melissa Bartlett (Gatestone Elementary School)
Melissa is a junior class teacher at Gatestone school who is the first honouree of the Jackie Trapp Memorial Award. In alignment with what this award embodies, Melissa promotes the principles of equity and inclusion. She believes that all students have the potential to learn and works with students, fellow colleagues and families to ensure this happens. Melissa perseveres, reflects and adjusts her teaching practices; guided by student voice. She provides compassion and reassurance so students can believe in themselves and become the best that they can be. Melissa is a respected colleague at Gatestone and together with her school community has made a difference in many student lives. Her outstanding work with the Gatestone community has made her a perfect candidate for this award.
Congratulations Melissa from the Council for Exceptional Children, Chapter 289.
Updated on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.