Feature the Teacher – Ashley

Feature the Teacher – Ashley thumbnail.

Name of school and grade you teach, or role you hold in the school? 

Everleigh State School, Year 1, Classroom Teacher. 

What does inclusion mean to you? 

Inclusion is a way of being.

It requires careful planning and consideration in modifying set tasks and daily routines to ensure access and equity for all. 

What has the student with Down syndrome taught you? 

George has taught me about the importance of visuals, especially to support communication.

His ability to communicate given the right tools has been crucial in his learning, engagement and development.

What is something surprising or interesting you’ve discovered about teaching a student with Down syndrome? 

All children can succeed given the right tools and resources.

To watch George grow in his independence, friendships groups, communication and learning has been an absolute pleasure. 

What is one thing you hope will continue for your student with Down syndrome in  their schooling life? 

What worked well for George this year was clear and targeted goal setting and providing the right tools and resources he needs to be successful. George has thrived in the consistent daily routine of the classroom and engaging in learning tasks with his similar-aged peers. George mimicked his peers and copied and followed their actions which has increased his social participation.

My hope is that he always has opportunities like these. 


And now, some special words from George’s mom!

Describe what you have appreciated about your child’s teacher this year?

She always has time to talk to me as the parent, asks questions and shows me how they are including G for each part of the day. She has arranged visual supports and all other kinds of supports for him, liaises with his AH Professionals who see him at school so as to make the most of their knowledge. She knows G better than any other educator who has taught him and so far has taught him for the shortest period of time.

What has it meant to you and your child to have your child included at school?

George is showing such great progress. He now confidently goes to school, makes choices about things that happen during the day, is learning lots of things – socially and academically and is wearing his hearing aid willingly for the first time in 3 years

Have there been any memorable moments from this year at school that you wish to share?

For book week this year she sent home a message asking about G’s favourite books and characters because some of the support staff wanted to come dressed as those characters. When I have sent books in she reads them in class and shares with me how he responded.

What is one thing you hope that will continue for your child with Down syndrome in their schooling life?

I feel like a valued member of the team that is educating G for the better. He feels happy and confident when going to school and I feel like I know what is happening, despite the fact that he can not tell me himself. I know and can see that he is loved and encouraged on a daily basis – with firm boundaries when necessary and support where possible.

Is there anything else you wish to commend or say to your child’s teacher?

I could not be more grateful for the huge effort that all staff at his school put in to having him join them. I never dreamed that inclusion would look so beautiful. It truly is a magical time in his life, watching him grow and develop knowing that I wasn’t the only one to help him achieve this. Here is me singing it from the rooftops! Thank you to all of you, especially Miss Dewsbury!