Director of instruction lauded for supporting deaf/hard of hearing students

Surrey Schools Director of Instruction Michelle Schmidt has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CAEDHH) with an Advocate Award.

The award is presented to an individual "who goes out of their way to support students who are deaf and hard of hearing" (but is not the teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing).

"When we work with professionals who understand and support us and our students, we are more effective as a team and our students are more able to thrive," reads a letter from the CAEDHH Advocate Award Committee. "The support you have provided for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in your district, as well as your TDHH's, EA's, Interpreters and Intervenors, is worth its weight in gold."

Schmidt was nominated by Annie Lehbauer and Jenna Metcalfe (both Surrey teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing) and deafblind intervenor Rachel Schroots.