A new teacher arrived and a current teacher was transferred as Oxford Community Schools made changes to its Special Education teaching staff.
Daniel Axford Elementary School now has Jennifer Pleva as an instructor. She replaces Laurie Lavins, who now moves to over to Oxford High School.
A space had become available at OHS due to the departure of Margaret Sullivan Keely.
Pleva’s appointment became effective Oct. 28 while the school board officially approved it Nov. 10. She began teaching at DAES Nov. 13.
The new instructor is a Michigan State University graduate whose bachelor’s degree in education was with an emphasis on learning disabilities. She had served as a substitute at the high school and had a one-year internship.
‘I am thrilled to be an active member of the Oxford Community Schools,? Pleva said. ‘As a special education teacher, it is my goal to instill the best possible education in our students and help them become life-long learners…I have a passion for teaching and I do whatever it takes to make a difference in the lives of my students.?
Nancy Kammer, Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources, said Pleva’s a good choice because she’s very ‘warm? with students and is very knowledgeable regarding special education laws and the needs of the students.
‘She is very aware of the things that students require to make them successful,? Kammer said, nothing that MSU has an excellent special education program.
Pleva and Lavins will work under Oxford School’s new special education director, Denise Sweat. According to Kammer, Sweat is looking at the whole system in the district and will refine it.
Both teachers will face the unique challenge of going to their new jobs in mid-year. With this in mind, they will be working in a transition plan.
Kammer explained: ‘It’s is always a challenge when a new teacher comes in, so we want students and parents to be comfortable.?