enAble of Georgia Names 'Special Education Teacher of the Year'

Lauree Lau, a special education teacher at , was recently selected as Foundation’s Special Education Teacher of the Year 2012.

enAble, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with special needs and their families, sought nominations for the honor last fall from school principals, teachers and other leaders in education throughout Fulton, DeKalb and Cobb Counties - the area currently served by the organization.

Nominees were evaluated based on performance in three areas: classroom excellence, student/family engagement and community involvement. This is the first time the award has been presented.

“Through her expertise, commitment and dedication, Lauree Lau is helping students with special needs prepare for a fulfilled life,” said Cec Camp, Chief Executive Officer of enAble. “Her engagement with her students and their families and communities helps establish an inclusive future for all students with special needs.”

Lau has been a teacher of students with special needs for 15 years. She joined the faculty of Crossroads, an alternative placement school for students who have been transferred from traditional schools due to behavioral challenges, in 2008.  Lau was nominated by fellow teacher Erin Geller, chair of the English department.

In her nomination, Geller said of Lau, “I have witnessed the transformative power of her creativity, passion and commitment to our students...she keeps the expectation high, meeting students where they are and encouraging them to strive for success. Our students, despite their challenges, are thriving in a classroom environment that is consistently engaging, positive and inspiring.”

“Lauree is an outstanding educator and a tireless advocate for our students with disabilities. She has certainly earned this recognition, and we are proud of her,” said Dr. Scott O’Prey, principal of Crossroads Second Chance Program—North Campus. “Lauree is a master at developing relationships with students and their families. This level of trust allows her the flexibility to develop programming that brings out the best in each student, moving them toward academic and behavioral success.”

The honor will be presented at enAble’s 24th Annual “Dare to Dream” Gala on March 10th at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia.