Jennifer McLeod, O.T.(C), M.A, 6805 Mark Lane Victoria, British Columbia, V9E 2A1, Phone: 250 4157259 April 23, 2015 RE: Christina Majcher for Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence 2015 Nomination 1am writing to express my strong support and to nominate Christina Majeher for the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Exeellence for 2015, I have known Christina over 8 years in her role as learning support teacher at Christ Church Cathedral School. One of the challenges facing special education students is the need for skilled and innovative teachers, Christina possesses such expertise in the comprehensive assessment and intervention of children with learning challenges. In addition, Christina has many of the attributes of being @ most extraordinary and successful team player in supporting teachers, school staff and parents of children with special educational needs. Persistent and ongoing challenges continue in the classroom for teachers and students with special needs as resources and expertise decline, yet the numbers of children being identified with learning difficulties increase, Christina is a true leader in bridging the gap for the successful inclusion and integration of her students within the classroom, ‘True and authentic inclusion for students into regular classrooms is extremely challenging, however Christina is able to successfully advocate, design programs, routines and activities appropriate to each child's need and grade level, Christina is passionate and practical in enabling students with developmental challenges to meet their goals Christina has excellent communication skills, and is responsive to the roles and contributions of other team members (eg, myself as an occupational therapist, speech language pathologists, behavioral consultants, psychologists, teachers and educational assistants) and parents. Team meetings are productive for families and team members ‘where she speaks clearly to the child's needs, goals aid outcomes, and is sensitive and empathic to the process and discussion especially where there are complex family and child issues. Christina is quick to give recognition and support to others, and expresses her ideas and opinions directly and thoughtfully. Christina demonstrates a great deal of personal commitment above and beyond the typical role ofa leaming support teacher where she is extremely organized, and conscientious in supporting the needs and goals of a team. In summary, Christina is truly a leader with extraordinary capacity and achieves anything she sets out to do for herself and others, She brings a passion in making a difference in the lives of many children and families with developmental challenges and within the spectal education community. I strongly support Christina in being chosen for this award. II can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me, Jedhiter MeLebd, O1(C), MA