OCS would like to congratulate Joy Alvis, our 2021 EC Teacher of Excellence! 

Ms. Alvis was recently recognized by her professional peers across the state at the 70th Conference on Exceptional Children in Greensboro. Ms. Alvis is an EC teacher at Pathways Elementary School. Ms. Alvis is an exceptional educator who prioritizes student learning while creating a safe and nurturing environment to learn.

Connie Crimmins, Executive Director for the Office of Exceptional Children and Pre-K Services, said, “Ms. Alvis was chosen because of her constant, consistent focus on students and their achievement.  Ms. Alvis develops relationships with her students allowing her to push them to try hard and to succeed.  Her persistence helps all students achieve at high levels.  It was an honor to choose her as the Teacher of Excellence.”

State EC Director Sherry Thomas and Deputy Superintendent of the Office of Educational Equity, Dr. Catherine Edmonds, presented her with the award of recognition on November 18.

Each year, the EC Leadership Team here in OCS selects one educator in the field to represent the school district. Every LEA in the state has a representative, and they are honored each year with a semi-formal banquet and recognition ceremony at the conference.

In addition, OCS staff from the Exceptional Children’s Department led three breakout sessions during the conference. 

• Cheryl Mitchell from New Hope Elementary presented a session on “Structured literacy instruction in the EC classroom.” 
• Maryellen Gollnick, Assistant EC Director, presented a session on “Introduction to High Leverage Practices in Special Education.”
• Connie Crimmins, Executive Director, and Drew Collins, EC Programs Specialist, presented “The Power of Yes: How community partnerships change post secondary outcomes for students.” 

Other key sessions covered a range of topics including:

• Triple A of Data: Assessing, Analyzing, and Applying Data to Meet Students' Needs
• Strategies for Effective Behavior Management
• ECATS Technical Tips and Tricks and Interaction wit PowerSchool

Attendees were able to connect with colleagues from across the state and stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field of educating Exceptional Children. The conference was November 17-19, 2021.

We are very proud of our EC staff and all they do to enhance the educational experience for all children.