DepEd fetes outstanding SPED teachers and centers

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The Department of Education announces the winners of the 2011 National Search for Outstanding Special Education (SPED) teachers and SPED centers across the country in recognition of their exemplary work in responding to the learning needs of children with learning disabilities or giftedness.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said these special needs teachers play a very important role in making Education For All (EFA) a reality. “Inclusive education means all learners including those who are differently-abled and we have the SPED teachers and centers nationwide to thank for their exemplary work,” Luistro said.

There were categories used to better classify and appreciate the different areas of exceptionalities such that there is an outstanding teacher for children with autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability, learning disability and children with intellectual giftedness.

The national winners for SPED teachers teaching children with autism are Ma. Cristina Cardinal of Sta Ana Elementary School SPED Center, NCR, first place; Marife de Guzman of Tomana ES SPED Center, Pangasinan, second place; and Marilou Oliveros of Sinag SPED Center of Kalalake, Olongapo City, third place.

For SPED teachers for children with hearing impairment, first place winner is Salvacion Olinares of P. Gomez ES SPED Center, NCR; second place winner is Rosebeth Gabay of La Union SPED Center of San Fernando City, third placer is Mylene Cosico of Candelaria West SPED Center of Quezon.

For SPED teachers for children with visual impairment, first placer is Apolinaria Sun of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City; second placer is Estela Sembrano of M. Hizon ES SPED Center of NCR and third placer is Sheryll Ativo of Legazpi City SPED Center of Region 5.

Best SPED teachers for children with intellectual disability are Zoraida Gonzales, first place, of La Union SPED Center in Region 1; Evelyn Basa, second place, of Baguio City SPED Center; and Juliet Sepe Sonjaco of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City.

The winners for teachers handling children with learning disabilities are Flordelina Lee, first place, of Baguio City SPED Center; Myrakay Palana, second place, of Sto. Nino SPED Center in Tacloban City and Luz Cabogrin, third place, of Dipolog City SPED Center in Region 9.

For teachers teaching children with giftedness, first place winner is Lelibeth Duran of West City Exceptional Child Learning Center of Dumaguete City; second placer is Amcy Esteban of Legarda Es SPED Center of NCR and third placer is Aubrey Marie Oasay of Catalino Acosta Memorial ES SPED Center of Batac City in Region 1.

Meanwhile the country’s top three SPED Centers are Baguio City SPED Center, first place; Butuan City SPED Center, second place; and Angeles City SPED Center, third place.

The winners received a plaque of recognition each and cash prizes.

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