The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education gave a group of six special education teachers in Nikiski the 2016 Inclusive Practices Award.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Spokeswoman Pegge Erkeneff…
Erkeneff: “There was probably close to 100 teaching teams that were nominated throughout the state and it was narrowed to 14 finalists and our team out at Nikiski Middle-High School won this year for the state.”
Megan Fowler and her team including Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek, Angela Smith and Kristina Stadelman received the award in Anchorage February 9.
Back: Kristina Stadelman, Angela Smith, Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek
Erkeneff says the team was recognized for creating a positive learning environment for things like emphasizing inclusive practices among peers and involving the students’ parents in their education.
Erkeneff: “So there’s a lot of engagement and communication that happens between parents and staff, the teachers and the aids that work with our intensive needs students so that there can be an environment that’s helpful both when they’re at school and then consistency when they’re not at school, when they’re at home or wherever else they are. It really helps encourage the students’ self-growth and determination and really also works on designing support services so that there’s a consistency.”
Erkeneff says the District has a history of being recognized statewide for their dedication to Special Education learning through their Pupil Services Department; a teaching team from Homer won the award a couple years ago.
