Cameron Kovatch, a special education teacher at Clairview School, was awarded the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit (WIU) 2023-2024 Annie Sullivan Award at the WIU regular Board meeting on August 27th.
The Annie Sullivan Award, which is named after Helen Keller’s teacher, recognizes special educators for facilitating the acceptance of students with disabilities in schools and communities.
Matt Thomas, WIU Student Services Director made the presentation and said, “The Annie Sullivan Award is in recognition of the remarkable contributions of Mr. Cameron Kovatch, who provides a positive, innovative, and inclusive learning environment for students. He also encourages involvement with organizations that promote acceptance of students with disabilities through field trips, educational STEM programs, and community partnerships.
Nominated by his peers, Mr. Kovatch is recognized for his unwavering dedication to student learning and for his ability to adapt to each student’s individual disability. He is a great advocate for students and is recognized by his peers for having well-structured lessons and for also having a great rapport with students.”
Kovatch said he was inspired to become a special education teacher while doing his college student teaching at Clairview School. “That’s when,” he said, “I knew teaching special education was something I could find joy and passion in. Seeing the love, compassion, and high expectations of the staff and students pushed me to be the educator I am today.”
What does Kovatch enjoy most about his role? “I truly love teaching life skills; the skills that are needed to survive and thrive in the real world. I put a lot of focus on hands-on job skills that will prepare my students for life after school. My family has taught me many valuable life skills, and I plan to pass those skills and knowledge on to my students to make their lives meaningful and so that they are proud of their abilities.”
He added, “The administration I am blessed to work for supports me and allows me to explore all learning opportunities that may come up during the school year. This allows me to teach skills such as home maintenance, repairs (home and auto), cooking, driving, functional math/reading, and general health and safety skills, as well as other daily living skills.
With the support of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, I have also had the opportunity to introduce the students to things like 3D printing, coding, drones, and robotics.” Kovatch described this approach to teaching as being effective for all students, especially those with special needs.
“The most amazing part of my role,” he said, “is the ability to teach my students skills that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives.”
Photo: Cameron Kovatch, a special education teacher at Clairview School, is congratulated after receiving the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s (WIU) 2023-2024 Annie Sullivan Award by Mr. Dallas Leonard, WIU Board President and Dr. Jason Conway, WIU Executive Director.