FREDERICTON, NB – The New Brunswick Association for Community Living, in partnership with Inclusion Canada, named seven recipients of National Inclusive Education Awards today. The awards recognize individuals and groups that have shown leadership in inclusive education both in and out of the classroom.
“We have some truly innovative and inclusive leaders receiving their awards today,” said Roxanne Tarjan, President of NBACL. “This year’s recipients are inspiring models of inclusion for our schools and communities.”
After two years of virtual events, this year’s award ceremony will be hosted by New Brunswick Lieutenant-Governor Brenda Murphy at Government House in Fredericton.
“I am heartened by the outstanding recipients we are recognizing this year, as they are proof that inclusive education practices in our province are continuing to advance,” said Sarah Wagner, NBACL Executive Director. “New Brunswick has always been a leader in inclusive education and it’s my hope that these recipients can serve as inspiration for other jurisdictions.”
New Brunswick’s recipients of the 2022 National Inclusive Education Awards are:
Bea Allen, Physical Education Teacher at Chris Saunders Memorial Elementary School in Quispamsis – Bea’s teaching is flexible and responsive to the make-up of each class and their needs. She begins at her students’ current skill level and fosters skills and self-confidence to empower them to meet curricular expectations. As part of her commitment to her students’ needs, Bea created a safe space where students can self-regulate their emotions as needed.
Émélie Phinney and her grade two class, Teacher and students at École des Bâtisseurs in Fredericton – When Émélie and her students welcomed Mel, a new student from Brazil into their class this year, the students recognized that Mel was not always included in classroom and playground activities due to her developmental disability. In response, Émélie and her students successfully resolved to create a more inclusive play area for recess and class focused on learning more about Mel and her interests and needs.
Richard Gallacher, Resource Teacher at Bathurst High School – Richard promotes participation and inclusion for everyone, and takes a holistic approach to creating plans to benefit each student he supports. He encourages all students to be themselves and tap into potential they may not realize they have.
Marie-Hélène Caissie, Resource Teacher at École Cité de l’Amitié in Bathurst – Marie-Hélène prioritizes time spent among peers for all students she supports, and has taken steps to ensure the school setting is conducive to learning for all students, including light filters, flexible furniture, sensory materials, and a sensory classroom. Her dedication to inclusion has inspired both staff and students at her school.
Cook Instructional Team at NBCC Moncton – Owen Brinson, Robert Black, and Kevin Robert from NBCC Moncton’s Cook Instructional Team are committed to supporting each student to successfully complete the program. They endeavour to provide all students with a positive learning environment where they are supported by their peers and feel safe to ask questions or for additional help.
Ginette Bourque, Grade Two Teacher at École Grande-Digue – Ginette recognizes and celebrates each child’s strengths, while providing strategies or pairing students with a classmate with complimentary strengths to help them overcome challenges. She considers the needs and interests of each child, and adapts educational activities to meet the diversity of her students.
Kiki Tanfara, Resource Teacher at Harbour View High School in Saint John – Kiki is an inclusive leader and ensures her school is a welcoming environment for all students. She had a significant and positive impact on one student with anxiety around school after previous negative experiences. Thanks to her consistency, creativity, empathy and compassion, the student says they now feel safe at school for the first time in nine years because of Kiki.
About the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL)
NBACL is a provincial, non-profit organization that works on behalf of children and adults with an intellectual or developmental disability and their families. NBACL leads in the creation of opportunities for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and their families to live full and valued lives in all aspects of society.
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Media contact:
Aleisha Bosch
Manager of Marketing and Communications
New Brunswick Association for Community Living
abosch@nbacl.nb.ca
