School Zone
DCPS Employees Honored During Disability History and Awareness Weeks
In recognition of Disability History and Awareness Weeks, October 1-14, 2008, we would like to acknowledge some very special DCPS’ employees honored by the Jacksonville Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) during their 2008 Awards.
Alan Due, principal of Pinedale Elementary School, was named the CEC’s Administrator of the Year. During the awards ceremony, the council noted that Mr. Due is an avid learner and often attends and participates in many of the district trainings on inclusion with his teachers, thereby enabling him to keep his thumb on the pulse of his school.
Alfreda Fitzpatrick, teacher at Englewood High School, was selected as the ESE Teacher of the Year. Ms. Fitzpatrick exhibits superior teaching abilities and demonstrates unfailing dedication to the education of her students. She is also known as the “linchpin” at her school, meaning she holds things together as a unit.
Janet Smothers of Kings Trail Elementary School was chosen as the Inclusion Teacher of the Year. Ms. Smothers was recognized for demonstrating a willingness to include students with disabilities in her class. She works closely with ESE personnel to learn about students with disabilities and provide them with appropriate accommodations.
Eileen Phillips of Neptune Beach Elementary School was named Support Staff Person of the Year. Ms. Phillips promotes student achievement by collaboration with other personnel and by maintaining rapport with students. She is considered a vital part of her school’s exceptional education program.
Shawn Shannon was selected as the Rookie Teacher of the Year. Shawn, a former law student, was chosen for this award because of his exceptional teaching skills and remarkable enthusiasm for educating students with special needs.
Lauren Dehaan was awarded the Viola Wilson Award during the ceremony. This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding dedication to students with disabilities. Ms. Dehaan made significant contributions to exceptional student education. Ms. Dehaan retired last July after 30 years of service to the ESE population.
Also recognized during the awards ceremony for their outstanding service to Duval County Public Schools were Dr. Diane Gillespie and Grisel Concepcion-Maldonado. Dr. Gillespie has dedicated most of her adult life to teaching and serving the needs of exceptional students and their families. She retired last July after more than 16 years with the district. In her last position, she was the principal of Pinedale Elementary School, a school with a large special needs population.
Ms. Concepcion-Maldonando, a long-term substitute teacher at Kernan Trail Elementary School, is known for going above and beyond the expectation of a substitute teacher. Her compassion and willingness to work with a smile enhances the lives of her students and shows how much she cares about the best interest of each person in her class.
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