2021 Training Camp Recap
We’ve wrapped another training camp--our second completed virtually--and with this group of engaged, passionate, committed educators headed into their classrooms, we’ve never felt more excited for the school year to begin.
This summer’s training focused on centering the student experience--exploring students’ rights, cultivating student self-advocacy and peer allyship, exploring the impact of common practices in education on the development of student identity and disability pride. We also spent time talking about the impact of Covid-19 on student mental health, and examined best practices for creating brave classrooms, safe spaces, and leveraging the tools needed to meet and support students wherever they are. We heard from Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian, representatives from Access Living and Equip for Equality, Dr. Jen Newton, Pamela Rae Schuller, and other brilliant inclusion and SEL experts. It was a jam packed month and we loved every minute of it.
“This was my second TNP Training Camp and this year’s content, speakers, and materials truly broadened and deepened my understanding of disability and diversity. I am looking forward to bringing this information back to my school and colleagues”
In just four weeks, more than fifty educators earned Nora Project inclusion certification, with the following 33 individuals earning our Changemaker certificate--the highest level of certification achievable.
Sarah Lyon, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Elizabeth McGhee, Arcado Elementary (GA)
Lee Morris, Penn High School (IN)
Meriann Negovetich, Copeland Manor Elementary (IL)
Jackie Owens, The Cove School (IL)
Alex Parker, Cossitt Avenue School (IL)
Heather Pearl, St. James Preschool (WI)
Christina Randall, Gavin Central Elementary (IL)
Lori Rudy, St. James Preschool (WI)
Rachel Silverberg, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Kim Smith, Congress Park Elementary (IL)
Rhianna Stringer, Greenbrook Elementary (IL)
Danya Sundh, Rockland School (IL)
Samantha Uribe, Haugan Elementary School (IL)
Debbie Weinberger, Washington Episcopal School (MD)
Amy Zimmer, Penn High School (IN)
Lainey Bristow, Hiawatha Academies (MN)
Jennifer Browning, Irving Elementary (IL)
Jackie Cline, Grande Reserve Elementary (IL)
Courtney Daily, Pioneer Elementary (IL)
Brian Doolin, Westchester Intermediate School (IN)
Kerry Duffy, Indian Knoll Elementary (IL)
Lindsey Fry, Highland Middle School (IL)
Bonnie Gamze, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Jenna Garber, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Jennifer Garza, Sears School (IL)
John Gensic, Penn High School (IN)
Kim Goff, Sears School (IL)
Joel Gunzberg, Sandy Spring School (MD)
Kari Johnson, Greenbrook Elementary (IL)
Karen Leavitt, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Bene Lederer, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
Alicia Levy, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (IL)
“The explanation that inclusion is defined by belonging resonated with me the most. I thought about some of the students with disabilities at my school and asked myself: Were they a member of my classroom community? Were they missed when they were gone? Were they welcomed back? Were they treated like a mascot? The teachers and administration at my school have a vision of creating an inclusive learning environment. I do believe we’ve made a great deal of progress, but I also think we have some work to do.”
We also certified three schools for the combined stellar performance of their staff at training camp, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School in Chicago, Illinois; Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana; and Saint James Preschool in Verona, Wisconsin. These schools sent multiple representatives to training camp (only one per program per school is required), and each engaged in the self-paced material and during the live sessions in an exemplary way. All of these schools will receive grants from The Nora Project to be used toward inclusion initiatives in their buildings.
“I am becoming more aware about how accessibility and inclusivity benefit all students, not just those with disabilities.”
All of this learning was thanks to our generous training camp sponsors, Jaclyn and Steve Maletzky, William Blair, Special Kids Foundation and an anonymous corporate partner. We are grateful for their support, which transforms our teachers, who transform their students and their schools. In the words of first time participant Andre Green, “The training was very helpful to me. I believe that I will make a great impact on the students this year.” We do, too.
“ I think the biggest takeaway for me is the idea that we need to just make more of a conscious effort to educate our youth about disabilities. We shouldn’t wait for someone with a disability to bring about that conversation.”
Even though training camp is over, it’s not too late to bring The Nora Project to your school. Check out our Jump Start Units, mini Nora Project programs for students of all ages, or contact us about professional development for faculty, staff, parents and community members.