The Wayne County Board of Education and superintendent recently recognized Jennifer Lewis, the Lead Speech Language Pathologist for Wayne County Public Schools, for her achievement of being recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a 2023 Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence. The recognition occurred at the Board’s monthly meeting.
One Exceptional Children teacher or related service provider from each of the state’s 115 school districts received the award this past fall.“Ms. Lewis, on behalf of the Board and our school district, we congratulate you on your achievement, and thank you for your contributions to the Exceptional Children Program, our schools, and most importantly the students and families who are in need of your educational support and services,” said Dr. Marc Whichard, WCPS Superintendent.
To become an Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence, nominees must be a full-time school employee, provide direct instruction or therapy to students with disabilities, and be recognized as a leader in service to the school and/or school district through innovative instructional programs or methodologies that have demonstrated positive outcomes for students with disabilities.
An Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence must also demonstrate a positive reflection on the education profession.Ms. Lewis has 27 years of experience as a public school Exceptional Children’s Speech Language Pathologist. For the past 13 years, Ms. Lewis has served as the Lead Speech Language Pathologist, while also serving on the District Autism Support Team, the EC Department Leadership Team and the District’s ADOS Team during this period.
Within her leadership role, Ms. Lewis provides weekly Friday Check-Ins by sharing evidenced-based practices with her colleagues and facilitates quarterly professional development for her peers during the school year.
“We are honored to have you working here for us at Wayne County Public Schools,” stated Craig Foucht, Wayne County Board of Education Chair before handing Ms. Lewis a local certificate of achievement. “I thank you for all of the work that you do. We greatly value it.”
Educators of Excellence receive a paid registration to the Exceptional Children Division Annual Conference, have the opportunity to attend a special ceremony honoring the Educators of Excellence and have their photos displayed in a prominent location throughout the conference.During the close of recent Board recognition, Dr. Whichard read the inscription on a special plaque provided to Ms. Lewis by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, which states, “On behalf of the the State of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction, we extend our gratitude and appreciation for dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the education of exceptional children in our state.”
