What has been your proudest accomplishment in this program?
The book “Look at All The Colours” is my proudest accomplishment. It was a labour of love; love for my daughter and love for my profession. I work with many students, who have amazing gifts, but in our system they are not always able to express themselves to their best capability. I wish each teacher could see and praise some of these unique gifts.
Tell us about your final project…
With the “everybody is gifted” idea in mind I made a tribute presentation called Giftedness in Autism. Although the title seems specifically directed at the two certain domains: giftedness in autism, the idea is that educators should focus on what their students can do and are often very good at it rather that criticize their students needs and challenges. I needed to show that each student is valuable, each expresses it differently. On that note, not only academics matter, but so does art, music, drama, metal or wood works among other gifts. Such gifts should be praised by educators and used to students’ benefit. Let the students express themselves.
What is your fondest memory with your cohort?
I do not have one specific memory. I miss our conversations, our observations, our shared passions. Our silent nodding or loud exclamations of approval or disapproval while we pretty much always agreed on the subject of the proper, just, and student-friendly education. I miss the connection.
Learn more about Marta’s EPSE 590 Graduating Seminar final project.