Making science and technology class inclusive
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 6, 2013
GUELPH, Ontario — John Rupnow, a grade 7/8 science and technology teacher at Elora Public School, was presented with the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy’s (OFCP) 2013 Professional Recognition Award at the organization’s annual conference banquet on November 2.
Rupnow was nominated for the award by one of his students, Maddy W., for his exemplary service to persons with cerebral palsy.
“I have different needs and Mr. Rupnow makes it easier for me to complete my projects”, Maddy said in her nomination letter.
“He goes above and beyond the call of most teachers. So I can participate in class”, she wrote.
Maddy, who uses a motorized wheelchair controlled by a joystick, was “very excited” to be a part of Rupnow’s science and technology classroom last year, when she was in Grade 7. She is back again this year for Grade 8.
Approximately 200 grade 7 and 8 students are in the sci/tech classroom for 200 minutes a week, four of their 30 periods of instruction. The busy space sees students using a broad range of equipment, everything from computers and iPads to microscopes and woodworking tools.
The joystick on Maddy’s wheelchair can also be configured to enable her to use as a remote controller (mouse) for computer applications in the classroom. At the other end of the technology spectrum Maddy might put on safety glasses as she uses a handsaw or sanding block.
“One of the pieces Maddy worked last year was a big letter M,” said Rupnow. “The wooden pieces had to be cut, sanded, glued and finished. The finished piece looked great, and I know she was very proud of it.”
One of the accommodations Rupnow created was a woodworking table where some pieces and surfaces were screwed in place to make it easier for a student with limited fine motor skills to use hand tools.
Rupnow is honoured and delighted to receive the OFCP award, though he is quick to point out that he’s not solely responsible for Maddy’s positive experience. “It’s very much a team effort, with Educational Assistants Shauna Hanna and Kathy Cunningham. We’ve got a good rapport, and I rely on their input and Maddy herself to guide me on what’s going to work best.”
Maddy also enjoys the support of other students, who work alongside her. “She has a good network of friends,” said Rupnow. “She’s a very positive and determined girl.”
Although Rupnow draws on 20 years of teaching experience, to some extent he’s coming up with solutions on-the-fly, introducing innovations or techniques that he has never used before.
“In the spring we’ll be working with microscopes. I don’t know yet how that will work, but we’ll figure it out.”
Rupnow is also thinking about how Maddy might use Lego Robotics or K’NEX kits to learn the curriculum.
“Differentiated instruction is what this room is all about,” he said, “giving students the opportunity to learn, and succeed.”
Rupnow, who began his teaching career as a primary teacher of grade 2, is clearly in his element at Elora Public School, doing what he loves.
“John is fully deserving of this award,” said principal Nelson Keane. “The accommodations made and the things he built for Maddy last year, to allow her to fully participate in the class, were just amazing. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext.544
[email protected]
Categories: Media Releases