Special Education Parents

Six educators won the Special Education Make a Difference Award from the Macomb County’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in 2009. These awards are especially meaningful because students and their parents nominated their favorite educators for the honor.

This year's winners are:

1. Donald Drysdale, Special Education Teacher, Fraser Public Schools

2. Gary Gingras, Drafting Teacher, Lakeview Public Schools

3. Darlene Ivan, Paraprofessional, Utica Community Schools

4. Stephen Senters, Special Education Teacher, South Lake Schools

5. Brenda Tippery, 1^st Grade Teacher, Center Line Public Schools

6. Lorri Zieleniewski, Special Education Teacher, Utica Community Schools

CONGRATULATIONS to this year's winners

from the
Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee

Fraser Public Schools
Fraser High School

Donald Drysdale has taught math at Fraser High School since the 2004-2005 school year. He has been instrumental in helping special education students achieve high levels of math skills in classes such as Algebra 1, Support Geometry, and Algebra 2. Don goes above and beyond; he pursues students who are struggling in math to attend his after school math review class. This class is designed to boost student confidence to master math concepts before exams. Don has the ability to establish excellent relationships with staff, students and parents. His great rapport with students has earned him the respect of administrators, staff, students and parents. He has taken the time to reach out to students who have been struggling emotionally or academically with amazing success.

Lakeview Public Schools
Lakeview High School

Gary Gingras has taught vocational technical drafting at Lakeview High School for the past nine years. Gary joined Lakeview after working in the technical field and instructing at the college level. He uses his experience to bring the world of drafting, architecture, engineering and technology to students. He is especially able and willing to work with students of varying abilities, including those facing physical and/or learning challenges. He encourages students to participate in the MITES Competition and has had many students win awards. Gary shows students examples of how their work has value in the real world. He searches for unique experiences and opportunities to extend learning for all children. When you enter his classroom, you see students working on a variety of projects, because multiple levels are included in each class. Gary is dedicated to teaching ALL students. He has a special way of relating to students and motivating them to reach their potential.

Utica Community Schools
Switzer Elementary School

Darlene Ivan loves being a part of a team helping students achieve their goals. She has become very knowledgeable in the areas of their individual needs. Darlene seeks out information so that she can provide the best care for her students. By getting to know her students she can better identify their various behaviors and respond in a manner appropriate to the situation at hand in a way that inspires trust and respect. Darlene easily changes gears to do whatever is needed with the same enthusiasm and kind, helpful spirit. She consults with the teachers to better assist in areas of greatest need. She is always very encouraging and supportive. The respect that Darlene genuinely gives her students is a significant contribution to the sense of dignity, feelings of success, importance and belonging in the school environment.

South Lake Schools
South Lake High School

Stephen Senters has taught at South Lake High School since 2004. He is truly committed to the belief that all students can learn and spends much time finding the "right connection" for each child. He creates interesting hands-on activities in his math classes so that each student experiences success. He takes the time to know his students and develops a good rapport with them. His upbeat and caring manner invites parents, students and colleagues to join his effort of striving toward student achievement. Steve always puts students first.

Center Line Public Schools
Peck Elementary School

Brenda Tippery has always had a special interest in the areas of elementary reading and writing. Brenda's love for reading is infectious. Her students become as enthusiastic about reading as she is. They are so proud to show her the books they read and read them to her. She utilizes instructional methodologies that emphasize a differentiated approach that allows all children to be engaged in classroom activities. Walking into her classroom reveals  Brenda's commitment to a multi-sensory approach for engaging all students. Brenda is described by her colleagues as the quintessential professional who loves learning and cares about her students. Parents appreciate the individualized approach she uses to include all children.

Utica Community Schools
Duncan Elementary School

Lorri Zieleniewski has been a special education teacher in Utica Community Schools since 2000. Lorri believes the teachers and the principal inspire kids to be the best that they can be. She truly believes that all children can learn, and her desire to make a difference in the lives of children is exhibited by the enthusiasm that she brings to her classroom. She maintains a busy classroom schedule incorporating many creative strategies and interventions to help her meet each student's individual needs. Lorri communicates with the general education teachers to make sure that each of the students are achieving and attaining success. She maintains great relationships with parents and has even trained the parents, volunteers and staff in different intervention strategies.