Clairview School teacher recognized for building inclusive classroom for special education students

Special education teacher Cameron Kovatch was recognized with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s Annie Sullivan Award.

A teacher at the Clairview School in Hempfield, Kovatch received the award at the intermediate unit’s board meeting Aug. 27. The award, named after Helen Keller’s teacher, recognizes special education teachers for helping students with disabilities feel accepted in their school and community.

Kovatch was nominated for the award by his peers. Matt Thomas, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit student services director, said Kovatch exemplifies positive, innovative and inclusive learning for students.

“Mr. Kovatch is recognized for his unwavering dedication to student learning and for his ability to adapt to each student’s individual disability,” Thomas said in a statement. “He is a great advocate for students and is recognized by his peers for having well-structured lessons and for also having a great rapport with students.”

Kovatch was inspired to pursue special education while completing his student teaching at the Clairview School.

“Seeing the love, compassion and high expectations of the staff and students pushed me to be the educator I am today,” he said in a statement.

Although Kovatch has introduced his students to subjects such as 3D printing, coding, drones and robotics, his favorite part of the job is teaching life skills.

“My family has taught me many valuable life skills,” he said, “and I plan to pass those skills and knowledge on to my students to make their lives meaningful and so that they are proud of their abilities.”