Inclusive education benefits everyone in the classroom and it is important to recognize people who make an extra effort to enrich the lives of students with and without disabilities, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie.
“Inclusive education helps to provide a well rounded education for everyone in a classroom,” said Minister Currie. “It provides opportunities for students with disabilities to develop new friendships and a network of peer role models. It also provides opportunities for students without disabilities to develop a respect for diversity and an inclusive society.”
To celebrate National Inclusive Education Week, Minister Currie presented five individuals with a national certificate of recognition from the Canadian Association for Community Living. Those individuals are:
• Kevin Stonefield, principal of Montague Intermediate High School. One of Mr. Stonefield’s nominators said in the nomination, “There is such a true spirit of acceptance in his interactions and he inspires others to follow his lead.”
• Rachelle Gauthier, principal of École Saint-Augustin. Ms. Gauthier was described by one of her nominators as the leader of her son’s “Dream Team” and praised the students and staff at École Saint-Augustin for providing a warm and welcoming environment.
• Marcia Pridham, Resource teacher, Westisle Composite High. Ms. Pridham was described by her nominators as a “... one of a kind teacher... who always has the best interest of her students at heart.”
• Rebecca Knauff, Early Childhood Educator at Rainbow Early Years Centre in Summerside. Ms. Knauff was described as a “...strong advocate for all children... with a gift for teaching and remarkable insight into the multifaceted learning styles of children with Autism.”
• Alanagh MacDougall of Parkdale Sherwood Headstart. One of Ms. MacDougall’s nominators said that, “... Alanagh inspires others by modelling inclusion...she is an invaluable resource for staff and parents.”
“I am extremely proud of the inclusive practices that these individuals have implemented in their facilities,” said Minister Currie. “They are role models for all educators on Prince Edward Island and I am pleased to be able to recognize them for their hard work and determination to provide inclusive education for students across the province.”
National Inclusive Education week runs from February 13 to 19 and February is national Inclusive Education month.