Stephanie Kennedy

Who Am I?
Hello! I am a 28 year old (she/her) who lives on the outskirts of the small town of Napanee, ON. I am a lover of animals, reading, the outdoors, and spending time with my family! I am a proud step-mom of two amazing kids who are 5 and 8, and my fiance and I are currently planning a wedding for October 2021.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading mystery novels and getting outdoors by going for long hikes with our dog, who is just over one year old. My love for cooking and fitness has grown since the beginning of COVID and this passion is something I carry into the classroom when teaching my students essential skills and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. I am passionate about education and creating a student centred classroom.

What Do I Do?
I have worked for the Limestone District School Board since 2016 and I am currently teaching a Behaviour District Learning Centre (DLC) with students grades 3-6. This is a completely new experience for me that I just took over in March. Previously I taught grades 4-6 in a variety of settings. In my current classroom, I have one student formally identified with communication needs, and I have previously taught students with ASD within my junior classrooms.

I am qualified to teach grades K-12 and have a desire to strengthen my special education skills and resources. I recently completed the Registered Behaviour Technician course and I am hoping to bring some of that training forward in this course and deepen my understanding of teaching students with complex needs. My goal in this course is to learn new ideas and information that will help me to reinforce my safe and inclusive classroom, and create a positive learning environment that is conducive to students with ASD. Another goal is to learn a variety of behaviour supports and reinforcement schedules that I can apply in our classroom. One of the primary goals of my DLC classroom is focusing on social skills and peer relationships and I believe this course will help me gain strategies to meet that goal.

I am passionate about teaching students with complex needs and intend to continue my professional development by getting my special education specialist. Lastly, I believe trust and respect are foundational, and this trust is developed through modelling, caring, and listening to all perspectives and opinions in my classroom.

I am excited to begin this learning journey with everyone and deepen my understanding of teaching students with communication needs and ASD.