Mission Teachers Recognized with National Inclusive Education Award

New Westminster, B.C., April 30, 2012 – Four teachers at Heritage Park Secondary in Mission, B.C. will be receiving National Inclusive Education awards from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the British Columbia Association for Community Living. Kathy Baker (Art), Jack Walton (English), Patti-Lee Simpson (P.E.) and Joel Noftle (Music) are being commended for their role in having all students included in their respective classes without barriers.

The call for award nominations was announced in February, as part of National Inclusive Education Month, celebrated in February across Canada. The teachers have been recognized along with three other individuals in B.C.

All four winners go to great lengths to have all students included in their English, Art, P.E. and Music blocks without any barriers. They are described as not only promoting inclusive education with colleagues but by also offering practical ideas on how to achieve fully welcoming and inclusive classes. The teachers and Heritage Park Secondary are shining examples of how a group of teachers can come together and make inclusive education a reality. Congratulations Kathy, Jack, Patti-Lee, Joel and Heritage Park Secondary!

National Inclusive Education Month 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.

We know inclusive education works. 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

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For more information, contact: Danielle Kelliher, Director of Communications, BC Association for Community Living, (604) 777-9100 ext. 527; dkelliher@bcacl.org.