2006 Annie Sullivan Award Winner: Janet Chadwick

The recipient of the 2006 Annie Sullivan Award for Support Staff first began her career with Intermediate Unit 1 in March 1995. She has worked as a teacher's aide in both Multiple Disabilities Support and Autistic Support classrooms. Her current assignment is in a middle school Autistic Support classroom where she often goes above and beyond her required duties pertaining to the care of the students with whom she works.

This recipient goes out of her way to ensure that the students she works with are included to the maximum extent possible with their regular education peers. Not only does she care for the students in her classroom, but she also helps others in need throughout the school. She uses humor and positive reinforcement to help all students. She has been known on many occasions to dedicate her personal time and money to the students in order to help develop their socialization and community skills, in addition to their academic skills.

This recipient works diligently to form a bond between the general education population and her students with special needs. She helps in managing the "Friends" program at the middle school. Within this program, she facilitates friendships between regular education students and the students in her classroom. She helps the regular education students understand that even though her special education students may learn a little differently, they have feelings just like everyone else. She tries to increase awareness and understanding of her students' disabilities by incorporating fun and creative activities that get the regular education students involved in her classroom. Within this program, she has sold T-shirts, helped teach sign language, and initiated a class store. She really sees how linking the school population benefits all.

This recipient also volunteers during extra curricular activities. She coached cheerleaders for many years. She volunteers her time to help students improve their skills for school activities, such as talent shows, cheerleading, and more. She volunteers to attend school dances so that her students with autism are able to participate in these social activities. This recipient has also donated her time and resources to take students to doctor appointments and hair appointments. Not only does she dedicate her time, but she has also been known to dedicate her own money to help her students who need food and clothing. She has contributed many computer software programs and other materials to her classroom.

This recipient has one daughter and resides in Washington. She attended Trinity Area schools. She holds an Associates Degree in Computer Technology.

It is truly heartwarming to see someone who cares for her students as much as this recipient. It is with great pleasure that I announce to you the 2006 Annie Sullivan Award winner from the support staff, Ms. Janet Chadwick.