Linda Vendetti:  Dedication and Excellence in Teaching

By Dr. Marie Davis,

Assistant Director of the Oak Hill School Education Program

Linda Vendetti, special education teacher in our New Britain II classroom, was awarded the CAPSEF 2011 ‘Golden Apple’ Award of Excellence in Teaching for her dedication to improving the field of special education through her work with Oak Hill students.  CAPSEF, an organization which represents over 40 schools and agencies who serve students with disabilities, held it’s Annual Conference on March 23, 2011 at the CT Convention Center.   We are proud to announce to you that one of our professional special educators at Oak Hill School was honored this year.  Linda Vendetti was chosen for her work where she focuses on the individual needs of the children in her classroom.  Linda incorporates a wide variety of assistive technology devices which allows each student to actively engage throughout the learning process each day.  One example, Linda had her students independently prepare their snacks.  She set up switches which allowed the students to activate a blender to prepare milkshakes.

Linda’s teaching duties require her to design creative and functional activities that will assist her students to achieve their IEP goals and objectives.  Her students have various disabilities that can impact their learning.  This includes children with physical disabilities, medical issues, and other cognitive and developmental challenges.  Her excellent collaboration skills are used when she communicates with the trans-disciplinary team, other agency professionals, her students’ parents and families.

Recognition amongst professional peers is what sets our teachers apart from others in the field of education.  It is rewarding to be recognized for the unique programming that Oak Hill School designs for its students.  Many Connecticut teachers, therapists and administrators attended the conference.  This worthwhile event provides education professionals with crucial Connecticut Education Units (CEU’s), needed for maintenance of their professional licenses.  Aside from attending scheduled break-out sessions, our professionals also enjoyed the collegiality of networking with other professionals in the field of Special Education.

Congratulations Linda and thank you for going the extra mile to benefit children with disabilities. 

A Poem by Jack Schnitzler

Jack Schnitzler, a 13 year old 7th grade student at Har-Bur Middle School in Burlington, CT and the son of Marybeth Schnitzler, Manager (Community Programs) at the Mountain Rd Group Home in East Hartland has written a poem about Autism.  Jack also attends an after school program at Focus Alternative Learning Center in Canton, CT.

I am autistic

I wonder what I can do

I hear my brain work

I see what I believe

I want to have fun

I am creative

                          I pretend that I can do anything

I feel like I’m different

I touch my dreams

I worry what I will become

I cry from pain

I am different

I understand what I can’t

I say what I hide to myself

I dream lots

I try what I can do

I hope I get better

I am different

                                           by Jack Schnitzler