Joy McCourt

Background

About Joy McCourt

In September 2023, I finally entered a world I had felt called to since high school: teaching students of high school age who have developmental disabilities. In this role, I design and implement an Individualized Education Plan for each student, selecting and developing alternative curriculum expectations appropriate for each in Communication, Functional Academics, Activities of Daily Living, Social Skills, Motor Skills, Experiential Learning, and Self-regulation. I also develop and implement plans for student transitions, which include transitions during the school day (from one activity or space to another) as well as those that occur over the years the student is in the program and prepares for life after high school. I strive to proactively meet student needs in a way that promotes student safety and reduces the frequency of any dangerous student behaviours, but I am trained in and able to apply CPI non-violent crisis intervention techniques as needed. In all these responsibilities, I work collaboratively with other program teachers, parents, and a wide range of paraprofessionals, ensuring all perspectives on a student are considered. Prior to my move to special education, I enjoyed being active in the "flipped learning" community. After visiting schools in which the Flipped Classroom model was being used successfully, I began "flipping" math and science lessons in 2013. I would like to give a shout-out here to all who helped me grow in expertise along the way, including those in the weekly #flipclasschat Twitter chats (which I eventually co-moderated), the Flipped Learning Network (who included me on their board and conference speaker lists), the Flipped Learning Global Initiative (FLGI)(who certified my coursework and included me in speaking opportunities), and educators like Crystal Kirch who freely shared insightful blogs, websites, and books. Yes, I was included in 2018 as one of 30 FLGI Founding International Faculty members, and was recognized by FLGI as one of the FLGI 100 (the top one hundred K-12 teachers leading flipped learning worldwide at the time), but I would not have gotten there without that community support. Whether I am teaching chemistry or working with a special education class, I love the boost of confidence seen in a young person when they finally "get" a difficult concept or achieve a challenging goal. I am always looking for new ways to help students overcome their obstacles, and with the help of supportive colleagues and administrators, I hope to bring that confidence to many more students before I retire.