Sari Glavin: A special educator

Sari Glavin, Classroom and Community Support graduate

After earning her diploma in the intense and challenging Classroom and Community Support program at Douglas College, you'd think Sari Glavin would want a break.

But after graduating in May 2005, she leapt at the chance to start work with the New Westminster School District immediately afterwards, trading one classroom for another.

"I wanted to dive right in and get in there," says Glavin.

Now, on any given day, Glavin will work on one student's communication skills or help another with reading. A Special Education Assistant at a New Westminster elementary school, she helps children with various abilities in a number of different classrooms.

But no matter what her ever-changing day may throw at her, Glavin knows that working together with the classroom teacher is crucial to giving the children a positive learning experience.

"A good rapport with the teacher is extremely important," says Glavin. "The teacher is the one who develops the academic road the children travel, so you have to work as a team."

Glavin honed her skills as a team player in the Classroom and Community Support (CCS) program. The two-year diploma program emphasizes hands-on learning and cooperative education.

"You learn how to work as part of a team in the program and that transfers over to the workplace," says Glavin.

Glavin transferred herself into the workplace with a second career after a long break.

Raised in Powell River, Glavin graduated from Max Cameron High School before moving to Vancouver. She earned her Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from Douglas College in 1991 and worked at a long-term care facility in Vancouver.

Then Glavin got married and started a family. For a while, she stayed at home to devote herself to raising her kids full-time. As her children got older, she started thinking about returning to work.

Looking for a new vocation, Glavin was attracted to Douglas College for three reasons. She had enjoyed her experience while getting her Therapeutic Recreation Diploma. She was also delighted to discover that she could use that experience to get a head-start.

Using the Flex-Track Options offered by her program, Glavin was able to get credit for some of the courses she'd already taken, making her passage through CCS faster and less expensive.

"It was great because I didn't have to redo courses I'd already taken," says Glavin. "It made going back to school a pleasure."

Finally, Glavin's decision was driven by the high esteem in which Douglas College's CCS Program is held in school districts such as New Westminster.

"They really look for that diploma or certificate from Douglas College because they like the program and they have a relationship with the College," says Glavin.

Entering the CCS program in 2003, Glavin found herself working closely with her fellow students on a range of academic subjects and hands-on exercises.

"The workload was challenging, but it was so interesting that I just wanted to be immersed in it," she says.

The intense learning atmosphere and team exercises fostered new friendships among Glavin and her classmates. It also helped forge lasting ties with the instructors.

"The instructors were really wonderful," says Glavin. "They're all professionals and they bring so much insight and experience. They always have time for you - if they haven't got time, they make time."

The CCS program also offers the optional Behaviour Interventionist specialty, where students learn to support children with autism. Demand for trained practitioners in this field is very high, and the unique 18-credit citation opens up a broader range of job opportunities upon graduation.

For further information please contact Lori Woods at 604-777-6295 or attend a free Information Session.

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