Heather McLean

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a child I always wanted to be a physical education teacher but when I got to high school I started peer tutoring in a special needs classroom, that was the moment I knew that teaching individuals with special needs was my destiny! Every year since then I have challenged myself to grow as a teacher and insure that my students grow as well.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most recent memorable moment was last spring when I ran our districts Inaugural Day of Champions Track Meet. The event hosted individuals with moderate to severe disabilities from around our school district. Cheerleaders, football player, Robotics team members and beyond cheered and lead events as the students participated in highly modified field events. Everyone received a medal, t shirt and experienced a day of a million smiles!!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would donate it to Day of Champions and purchase more modified equipment like padded hockey sticks and inflatable hockey activity, I would buy an inflatable football type tunnel for the kids to run threw and take pictures in front of, I would purchase tents & create 2 sensory stations for students who need a break or quiet space to relax during the day. Adaptive equipment is hard to find & expensive, so making sure every station has all highly engaging, safe equipment would be so beneficial.