Lasalle teacher honoured by Learning Disabilities Association

Liz Brett-Dickie, left, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury, presents the Teacher of the Year Award to Jennifer Branconnier of Lasalle Secondary School for consistently supporting, encouraging and advocating for the success of students with learning disabilities. 

A Lasalle Secondary School teacher has been honoured by the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS). Jennifer Branconnier received the Teacher of the Year Award for consistently supporting, encouraging and advocating for the success of students with learning disabilities.

The award was presented at the regular meeting of Rainbow District School Board on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, during Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. “We congratulate Jennifer Branconnier on receiving this honour,” said Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “It is a tribute to excellence in Rainbow Schools.”

“Our Board of Directors really wanted to recognize outstanding educators who work day in and day out to release the power of students with learning disabilities,” said LDAS Chair Liz Brett-Dickie. “This is a great opportunity to commend amazing teachers who truly understand the needs of students with learning disabilities and work tirelessly to help them reach their full potential.”

Jennifer Branconnier teaches an intensive support program class at Lasalle Secondary School. Through her guidance, students with learning disabilities earn a combined English and Learning Strategies credit using assistive technology. “Jennifer Branconnier has a natural ability to motivate and encourage students to try new approaches and techniques,” said Brett-Dickie. “She is a wonderful role model who goes above and beyond to ensure students achieve success.”

Jennifer Branconnier pioneered the Laptop English program at Lasalle Secondary School. The program is offered to Grade 9 students with learning disabilities. The students take a year-long English credit and receive support in all of their courses. Jennifer Branconnier tailors lessons to each students’ needs, supporting them in all of their classes.

Steve Marko, Program Leader of Special Education at Lasalle Secondary School, nominated Jennifer Branconnier for the award. “Mrs. Branconnier pushes her students to do their best in all of their classes,” he said. “She checks in with other teachers and makes herself available to help students get missing assignments in to their other teachers. She takes the time to show students that she cares and she treats them all with respect.”

He added: “I work with a number of amazing teachers at Lasalle Secondary School. Jennifer Branconnier is one of these outstanding educators who has made a difference in the lives of many of our learning disabled students. She is truly an outstanding educator.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 705.674.3171. ext. 7217.