My Inclusive classroom: who are we???

Hello!

Let me take a minute to introduce myself, my company, and what we have to offer. I am Heather Stiles. I have over 15 years working in various school systems as an elementary teacher. I am so so so close to finishing my Ed D in the area of inclusive education- though the revisions appear to go on forever! I just want to be finished- and I will, but the busyness of life always throws me curve balls. You see, I have three little monkeys, ages 7, 5, & 3, that keep me engaged, frustrated, amazed, and on my toes. As well, I work full time as an elementary student service teacher. So, I understand about prioritizing, baby steps, and just trying to stay afloat. 

My Inclusive Classroom is a boutique consulting firm located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, we love technology and use it so we can connect with people all over the place! I only call it a boutique firm because we are small, specialized, and it sounds fun! 

We opened our doors in Spring 2018, rather launched our website, our aim was to provide teachers with authentic, personalized, and effective professional development. However, we quickly learned that education requires so much more than just teachers and grew to include parents and organizations in our personalized approach to growth. We also offer a service called Video Pals which supports students and professionals in developing English Language skills. 

At My Inclusive Classroom, we offer a few different services to help support individual and organizational development. However, our aim is always the same: to provide effective and individualized professional development. 

For the teacher: I work with some of the most extraordinary educators around the world. They bring their stories to me. They share their strengths, their struggles, and their hopes. I listen, I hear, and I watch. My speciality lies in setting a powerful foundation from which your professional practice can grow. We build upon this foundation. We discuss strategies, exercises, worries,  and your experiences. We take action. We prioritize your skill development.  We refine your practice so you have clarity in your practice and strength in your skills. At the end of our time together, you will feel empowered, strong, and ready to conquer your classroom with grace and confidence. I love the opportunity to work with other educators, strengthen your skills, and watch you soar. 

For the parent: Parents do not forget your place at the planning table! We need you and your child needs you. I work with awesome parents seeking to navigate their child's individualized school programming. Whether you need support with IEPs, understanding adaptations and modifications, or in creating a set of questions to ask the school, I am here to listen. It is such a pleasure to work with parents, to learn about their child, their experiences, and to provide support and guidance. All situations are unique, all students are individuals, and all support is built on the foundation of a student-centred approach.

For the group or organization: In consultation with your organization, we offer targeted and focused professional development for small to large groups. The key to ensuring the effectiveness of our action plans and programming is that we listen to you, we connect with you, and we understand your organization's culture. Our expertise are in the area of classroom management, inclusion & diversity, accessibility for all, and goal setting. 

​For the EAL Learner: Think of this resource as a 21st century pen pal. You connect with your teacher, you pal, via video letters. Each video you receive is about 20-30 minutes in length. It will start with a lesson & activity and end with a personalized video letter. This is an awesome opportunity to expand your conversational English while focusing on a few target areas. 

Another great service: Well, this last one is a favourite of mine- I think of it as a pet project or a passion project of mine. I love to create and share resources with other educators. I offer everything from self regulation activities to journals to professional development guides. They are free, fabulous, and for your use. Please keep checking regularly- we aim to put out a new resource every week or so. 

The ABCs of My Inclusive Classroom

As a group of experienced and professional educators, our mission is to build the capacity of teachers, parents, and organizations so that they strive to ensure all children have the opportunity to be present, to participate fully, and to succeed. 
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Our vision is for communities of all kind to value, celebrate, and provide opportunities for all members. To achieve our vision, we work from a set of core values or our ABCs:

Accountability & Action
We believe accountability is essential in the development and growth of any individual and organization. In collaboration with you, we create action plans that will help you realize your professional growth goals. 

Best Practices
We make it realistic and do-able.  We are in the business of helping you succeed and soar!

Collaboration & Connection
We work with you! We aim to understand your experiences, your needs, and your goals in order to provide you with an effective action plan.

Diversity
We practice cultural competence in the diverse communities, schools and organizations in which we support. We listen to you. We expect you to share your experiences and knowledge to ensure we are effective, supportive, and real. 

Effective & Evidence-Based
Our action plans are effective and based on evidence. We want you to succeed!

Fun
We try to keep it fun! We want you to see our time together as beneficial, not a chore.