Linda Gourley, a pre-K paraprofessional at Corley Elementary School, and Meghan Rosser, a former Autism paraprofessional at Alcova Elementary School, have been named co-winners of the 2017 Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year Award by the Georgia Council for Exceptional Children (GA CEC). Rosser is now a special education teacher at North Gwinnett Middle School.
This state recognition honors paraprofessionals who provide direct services to students with exceptionalities and are outstanding members of the profession whose work exemplifies the best in special education support. The work of the two honorees for Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year reflects significant educational success for students, continued professional development, and the highest standards of educational quality.
Both Gourley and Rosser say winning the award was a surprise. Gourley shared, “Receiving such an amazing honor from the Georgia Council for Exceptional Children means for me that at last, my passion has met purpose. My heart is full and I am humbled.”
Both Rosser and Gourley have a passion for teaching and a desire to see their students achieve in school and in life. Rosser explains, “This award is an amazing extension of the honor and privilege I feel every day when I go to work with my students. Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is filled with talented staff and has a culture that attracts the best of the best. This culture is evident in the naming of two GCPS paraprofessionals as paraprofessionals of the year.”
The Georgia Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization for special educators, works to improve the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or talents.
