By Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News
A Maple Ridge teacher was one of six in B.C. to receive an inclusive education award Friday in Victoria.
Carissa Keenan teaches at Harry Hooge elementary and was presented with a 2019 National Inclusive Education Award at an annual conference.
The awards are hosted by Inclusion B.C., the Family Support Institute of B.C. and Inclusive Education Canada and honour teachers, support staff and educational leaders who are “doing amazing things to ensure that all students, especially those with special needs, are given full access to education and included in all aspects of school life.”
Keenan teaches a Grades 5-6 class. She is being honoured for her ability to inspire students to work and learn together in a positive and inclusive environment, according to Inclusion B.C.
“By encouraging her students to follow and share their curiosities, she ignites their desire to learn and creates a sense of belonging to the community of the classroom.”
The organization also said Keenan knows how to turn problems into opportunities.