Principal’s Corner: Latham Teacher Receives the Excellence in Service Award from NATSAP

Meghan Pouliot was awarded the Excellence in Service Award from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs for her contributions to the Latham School and for the therapeutic practices she conducts in her classroom.  Meghan was awarded this honor for many reasons. She created and instructs our, “Lights Camera Action” club which uses digital media to create morning announcements that are played in all our classrooms each morning. Meghan expanded her mastery of this by creating more differentiated forms of media, and is teaching the students how to use each one. Meghan is also proficient in her use of the iPad and Promethean Board in her classroom. Her expertise in many modes of technology is one to be admired. She is consistently finding new resources to utilize in her curriculum and integrates the vast, and expanding, world of technology in her classroom.

One of the most outstanding contributions Meghan has done here at Latham is her integration of a class entitled “Nauset Circle”. Meghan has created a time block in her classroom schedule dedicated to students learning how to communicate with one another on a variety of topics. Meghan has created a curriculum that encompasses the need for positive, effective communication, amongst both staff and peers. Upon viewing this class, one sees that all students are active participants; raising hands, speaking clearly and softly, and engaged. Meghan ensures that all of her students’ voices are heard, and that all thoughts and feelings are shared. Meghan has also created a dynamic where voices are talked about; what one student brings up, the entire class has a discussion on. Meghan has instilled an amazing atmosphere in her classroom. For these reasons, and many more, the Latham Administration was honored, and privileged, to nominate Meghan for the Excellence in Service Award. It is to be noted that Meghan was chosen from an abundance of candidates by the Board of Directors from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools as the recipient.

Meghan attended the Northeast Regional Conference for the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs with Director of Admissions Susan LaPlant, Director of Education Brittni Taylor, Residential Director Gina Sheehan, and Assistant Principal Kara McDowell. Held in Kennebunkport, Maine, this conference highlights various programs around the country that are therapeutically servicing students in residential and day program settings. Susan LaPlant, a board member for NATSAP, was heavily involved in the day’s activities and graciously invited more representatives of Latham Centers to attend for networking and educational purposes. Brittni Taylor, Gina Sheehan, and Kara McDowell presented at the conference about Voice, Choice, and Perspective, which highlighted the ways in which treatment at the Latham Centers is student driven. Meghan graciously accepted her award at the conclusion of the conference and has been celebrated for her accomplishments by the conference attendees and her coworkers.

Congratulations Meghan! We are so proud of you and honored to have you on our team!