In a ceremony on May 6 at Government House, New Brunswick educators were recognized with National Inclusive Education Awards for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to inclusive education. The awards are presented annually in partnership with Inclusion Canada, with the recipients being nominated by their student’s families as well as their peers.
“These educators embody the values and principles of inclusive education every day,” says Jake Reid, Executive Director of Inclusion NB. “Their work exemplifies that when a student’s strengths are met with the right resources, incredible success is achievable.”
The awards highlight the integral role schools, and their leadership, have in ensuring our children feel welcome and valued. These educators champion and create spaces where every student feels safe, supported and can contribute.
The awards were presented by Lieutenant Governor Louise Imbeault, the Patron of Inclusion NB, at her official residence.
New Brunswick’s recipients of the 2025 National Inclusive Education Awards are:
Education Support Teachers’ Team, École Amirault, Dieppe
The Education Support Teachers team at École Amirault, a unique school that welcomes students from kindergarten to Grade 2, is also being recognized.
Some schools have a special feeling when you walk in the door and École Amirault, is one of those schools.
These students learn in a vibrant culture of inclusion, supported by an exceptional Education Support Teachers team. This team is skilled, passionate, and deeply caring, and see each child as their student.
These teachers work hand in hand with staff and families. They engage at the right time, share their successes with joy, and cultivate trust. They see the potential in every student and create tailored, unique, child-centered paths. For them, the goal is the child’s independence.
And then there’s Léo. A dog, yes, but above all a valuable ally. Their initiative to integrate a certified therapy dog into everyday school life helps students calm inner storms, build bonds, read without judgment, and feel seen. Léo is not just a comforting presence;: he is a true agent of inclusion. Thanks to him, faces light up, barriers come down, and children dare to be themselves.
At Amirault, spaces workshops, and perspectives are adapted. No one asks whether a student can participate, but how they can be included. Inclusion isn’t an approach. It’s a way of being, thinking, and being together.
Sarah McInnis, French Immersion Teacher, Liverpool Street Elementary School, Fredericton
Sarah McInnis is a French Immersion Teacher from Liverpool Street Elementary School in Fredericton. She was nominated by a parent.
Our child, who is transgender and non-binary was Sarah’s student during a particularly challenging year, 2023-24. At a time when our child’s confidence and self-esteem could have easily plummeted, they were able to rely on the experienced support of their teacher.
Our child felt affirmed, celebrated, respected, and included in Sarah’s classroom. Sarah adapted and provided mental health supports when our child needed them without hesitation. Sarah ensured that my child was represented in their curriculum. When Pride Month wasn’t recognized with an assembly, Sarah made sure to incorporate Pride in the classroom.
Sarah’s ability to provide a truly inclusive classroom meant that my child was surrounded by educated student allies. Sarah also provided my child with the confidence to request more inclusive practices at their school. By leading by example, Sarah inspired our child to know their value.
Lisa Allain, Education Support Teacher, École Blanche-Bourgeois, Cocagne
An education support teacher at École Blanche-Bourgeois, Lisa, is a pioneer in inclusion. She firmly believes that every student has the right to thrive, regardless of their challenges or background. She has transformed her school’s practices by placing individual needs at the heart of learning. She looks after the well-being of her students and colleagues with kindness and determination. She sees the potential in every child..
Thanks to her vision, her school has become a model of innovation. One of her greatest achievements has been campaigning for every student to have access to an iPad, not to follow any trends in technology, but to offer them dignity, motivation, autonomy, and a sense of belonging. This technological support tool has not only eliminated barriers to learning but has also enabled students to participate on an equal footing. They are no longer set apart; they belong.
Lisa doesn’t merely implement solutions; she embraces them with passion. She works closely with families, health professionals, and the school team to develop individualized education plans that respect the uniqueness of each student. She is also the driving force behind remarkable community initiatives, such as the Christmas Angels program, which brings comfort and solidarity to vulnerable families. Her impact is profound, lasting, and extends far beyond the school walls.
Lisa Hussey, Vice Principal, Rothesay Park School, Rothesay
Lisa Hussey, a vice-principal and resource teacher at Rothesay Park School, was nominated by a parent advocate who shares, “Lisa has been a complete game changer in my child’s educational career. My daughter is Deaf and uses American Sign Language to communicate. Mrs. Hussey didn’t skip a beat. She not only looked at my daughter with respect and value, but she also expected the same from her as any other student.
She reached out to the Deaf community to learn and find out what Deaf children need. Through advocacy for my child to receive inclusive instruction, a Deaf teacher was hired in Mrs. Hussey’s school. This was the first of its kind.
My child has never been happier to go to school, and this is an understatement, especially for a child in middle school. Mrs. Hussey has proven her commitment to inclusive education by ensuring my child was in a positive, safe and accessible environment. My child finally is able to freely express her thoughts and needs.
Amira Khedrhi and her team who welcome and support newcomers to the Francophone South School District
Since her arrival in 2018, Amira Khedhri has embodied a vision of inclusion that puts students at the heart of everything she does. Starting with a blank slate, she has built a team, mobilized resources, and implemented initiatives that have transformed the welcoming culture within the schools of the Francophone South School District.
In just a few years, Amira and her team have developed exemplary programs that meet the needs of newcomer students and their families. Thanks to her inspiring leadership, thousands of students have been given a personalized welcome and cultural and linguistic support. Cultural activities, awareness workshops, and projects such as Country of the Month, social clubs, leadership programs—have created a school environment that promotes inclusion and fulfillment. Diversity is not only accepted, it’s celebrated. Every day, this team builds bridges between cultures.
Their approach reaches families, mobilizes communities, and enriches the entire school culture. Families feel supported, school staff are better equipped, and schools become truly inclusive environments.
Amira and her team have proven that with vision, heart, and collaboration, inclusion is not just a goal: it becomes a living, transformative culture.
Kara Pitre, Educational Assistant, Lakefield Elementary School, Quispamsis
Kara Pitre has had a profound impact on the students, staff, and families within her school community. For the past few years, she has provided consistent, thoughtful support to a student with significant behavioural challenges. Thanks to her guidance and understanding, this student has progressed from working predominantly in an alternate working environment to spending much of the school day learning alongside peers. Kara’s excellent intuition, paired with a keen ability to process feedback and implement programming has been instrumental for her students’ growth and success.
As a member of the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Team, Kara has been actively involved in contributing ideas and feedback that foster a welcoming, inclusive school culture.
Her innovative ideas inspired the development of a lunchtime program that provides opportunities for students to learn and practice collaborative social skills. This has been transformative for students who previously struggled with peer relationships, helping them build confidence and form meaningful connections. Kara’s ability to understand and respond to the diverse needs and interests of students sets her apart.
Kara has created a noticeable shift in school culture, particularly in the way Educational Assistants collaborate and problem-solve. Her expertise and willingness to support her colleagues have made her a trusted and sought-after resource. Kara’s approachable demeanor and practical solutions have empowered her colleagues to take a more active role in finding effective strategies to support every student.