| Hello SENIA Friends,
Recently, my family and I welcomed a new family member into our home: a puppy named Milo. He is the cutest thing in the world, and in the short time he has been with us, he has taught me a few valuable lessons. The first lesson is to live in the moment. Milo is focused only on the present and does not worry about his past or future. The second lesson is to be curious and explore. Milo is naturally curious and enjoys exploring his surroundings. He is not afraid to try new things or take risks, and he is always learning.
As an experienced educator with 25 years of teaching under my belt and now serving as the Executive Director of SENIA, I have come to realize that learning is a lifelong journey. While the prospect of acquiring new knowledge may seem daunting at times, I have witnessed the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new experiences. That's why I am thrilled to see over 200 individuals taking advantage of SENIA Academy, our new learning platform, and embarking on their own learning journeys. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our community to personal and professional growth, and I can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on your lives and on the lives of those you support.
The third lesson I've learned from Milo is to have fun. When he's not sleeping, Milo is living life to the fullest; jumping, running, and playing tug-of-war. He experiences pure joy. So, as we enter the last, sometimes challenging few months of the school year, I encourage all of my SENIA friends to learn from Milo and practice mindfulness, learn something new, and most importantly, have fun!
Lori Boll SENIA International Executive Director Friendly Reminder: We have lots to share in our newsletter. When you see 3 dots, be sure to click "see more" so you don't miss out on anything.
. |
|
|
Judy Heumann, a disability rights activist and special education teacher, passed away on March 8th, 2023 at 74. Heumann, who had polio and used a wheelchair, fought for the education and support of students with disabilities. She pushed for inclusive education, demanding reasonable accommodations and modifications. Heumann served as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under President Clinton, and later as Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the State Department under President Obama. Heumann was instrumental in drafting the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990. She co-founded the Center for Independent Living and was a key figure in the disability rights movement. Judy Heumann's dedication to justice and equality will continue to inspire generations including all of us at SENIA.
|
Tribute By Nicole Demos (she/her/disabled), SENIA Europe |
|
|
Last month, two SENIA chapters met up for a very first official inter-chapter collaboration! We hope that this will be the beginning of more joint effort and events.
SENIA Saudi Arabia sends out a huge THANK YOU to SENIA Malaysia for meeting with our new chapter on February 18th. Malaysia graciously shared its wealth of knowledge as a long-standing, well-established SENIA chapter and offered guidance as to how to move forward with expanding inclusionary services and support within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are very grateful to them for their time and attention and look forward to following in their footsteps! |
| |
|
| Another successful SENIA Europe Meet-Up was held on March 4th. We discussed systems and supports for students moving between tiers of support.
Feedback from Annabelle Lowe at Inter-Community School Zurich, Switzerland: "It was great to join in with the meet today. The discussions were invaluable as we are all trying to do the same thing and are at different places along the journey so we can share ideas and structures etc. It was a fantastic use of my Saturday morning!" |
|
|
Host Lori Boll speaks with Kathleen Kryza, an outstanding international presenter/consultant and author of 6 books for educators who is committed to bringing best brain-based educational practices to schools and teachers so they can support and nurture their students. In this podcast, Kathleen tells us why it’s important to teach our students about how their brains work by being intentional and transparent and how this learning helps our students succeed. Kathleen also shares some practical tips and strategies that you can start using in your homes or classrooms immediately.
|
|
|
| Last week we announced the launch of our new professional development platform, SENIA Academy, and have been overwhelmed with the expressions of support and interest we've received.
SENIA Academy boasts a growing library of courses and videos to support our community with information about inclusive education and advocacy. Join the over 200 educators who have already taken a SENIA certification course and help us reach our goal of 1000 SENIA certified educators! |
|
|
Want regular updates on SENIA Academy? Join our mailing list.
Bonus: Sign up for the SENIA Academy mailing list and we'll share 6 hands-on tips for using AI as an Educator! |
| |
|
Level 1 Educator Certification & Coursework Next Course Begins April 10th |
This coursework is perfect for the beginning to intermediate level Learning Support teacher or general educators who want to learn more about supporting students with learning differences. We've had parents participate and have gotten good feedback from them as well. Take one course or all six. Educators who take all six earn a SENIA Level One Educator certification. Sign up for all 6 courses now and get one course free. |
|
|
NEW Teaching Assistant Certification |
|
|
Are you passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential? Want to enhance your skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their lives? Then join the SENIA Teaching Assistant Certification Course! Discover the history of inclusive practices and gain insights into the most common educational diagnoses in schools. Learn about data collection and confidentiality, and dive into classroom practices such as behavior management, positive transitions and routines, and promoting friendships.
Customize your experience by choosing the modules that best suit your needs, or complete the full certification. Collaborate with your team and make it a shared learning journey.
By the end of this seven-part course, you will leave feeling confident and ready to revolutionize the world of international school learning support. Enroll now and let's make a difference together! |
|
|
Scholarships & Awards
World Changer Award |
|
|
Congratulations to Kan Fook Keong for being a SENIA World Changer!
Kan Fook Keong is a special education teacher in Sabah, Malaysia. Despite originating in Selangor that is more well-developed, Kan chose to stay teaching at a vocational school in the rural areas of Sabah, the least developed state, since 2012. He has guided the special needs learners comprising those with learning disorders as well as those with hearing impairments in many disciplines like sports and painting. During the pandemic, he discovered an alternative to students presenting their projects in innovation contests in sign language. As a result of his effort, he was able to train a team of hearing-impaired students to participate in several innovation contests and earned many medals.
Kan is dedicated to the well being of his students and started a food project that prepares vegan meals for the students to promote healthier lifestyle with minimal environmental harm. He did this after learning that many of his students were either vegetarians or vegans. Kan has been instrumental in supporting the dreams and passions of the students at Keningau Vocational College. He is indeed a World Changer! |
How Do I Fit? Written by: Lindsey Tate
Illustrated by: Crystal McIntyre reviewed by Lori Boll, SENIA Executive Director |
In the children’s book, How Do I Fit? Lindsey Tate, a member of SENIA and international school teacher, presents a refreshing idea for the educational experience of our students. Rather than conforming to an average, the book encourages children to discover and excel in their unique strengths. The story follows a young circle who faces difficulties at home and in school as they try to conform to the expectations of their square family and other-shaped peers. However, the circle eventually learns to embrace their own self-worth and refuses to change their shape to fit in with others. The book is illustrated by Crystal McIntyre in an adorable style and is written in a dyslexic-friendly font, making it accessible to a wider audience. Overall, How Do I Fit? is a delightful children's book with an empowering message for young readers and would make a great addition to a classroom library.
|
|
|
SENIA Spring 2024 Conference |
|
|
Hassle-free, meaningful learning. Get inspired and educated by signing up for the MARIO Framework's monthly newsletter. |
Global Education Therapy presents new FREE webinars for parents for Winter-Spring 2023! Curious about what Occupational Therapy is? Maybe you're looking for the perfect international school? Or are you pondering how to discuss being neurodiverse with your child? GET provides webinars in all the topics above! Check out our flyer here and watch our webinars anywhere and anytime!
|
|
|
|
SENIA International 18160 Cottonwood Rd. PMB 637 | Sunriver, OR | USA Unsubscribe link |
|
|
|