Delta Teacher Recognized with National Inclusive Education Award
A learning assistance teacher at Cougar Canyon Elementary School in Delta will be receiving a National Inclusive Education award from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the British Columbia Association for Community Living. Dr. Beth Sparks is being commended for her role in using technology to make it possible for students with special needs to fully participate in the classroom with their peers.
Sparks has been recognized, along with one other individual in BC, as part of National Inclusive Education Week, celebrated from February 15 to 22 across Canada.
“Dr. Sparks works with students, teachers and parents and uses the opportunities provided by technology to make learning accessible to children with a variety of learning disabilities,” says Dennis Ducklow, Principal at Cougar Canyon Elementary School. “The leadership of Dr. Sparks has led to the widespread use of programs such as Smartboard, an interactive whiteboard that uses touch technology and other adaptive software such as Kurzwiel, which enables students with special needs to gain access to all educational material.“
“Dr. Sparks believed that every student who could benefit from technology should have access to it,” Kathy Guild, Director of Special Programs, Delta School District. “She has inspired all of us to think differently about learning and teaching.”
National Inclusive Education Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the commitment and effort of teachers, administrators, students, and families who contribute to successful inclusion of students in schools and classrooms throughout Canada.
Children who learn together in school also learn to live well together as adults and are better able to create communities where everyone belongs.
For more information on Inclusive Education week, visit www.bcacl.org.