Yolanda Wickerson

Teacher Assistant Professional Development Certificate specializing in Visual Impairment (2009)
Teacher Assistant Certificate (2005) *
French Language Studies Certificate (In Progress)

"I was worried to begin with," says Yolanda Wickerson, referring to her enrolment in Continuing Education's Teacher Assistant Professional Development Certificate and her plan to focus on assisting visually impaired students. "But I'm so glad I tried. I can see now that I am an asset to the CBE."

Today, Yolanda is one of two teacher assistants at the Calgary Board of Education who can work with visually impaired students in a francophone setting. Her rare specialty is a result of her dedication to learning.

Yolanda came to Canada in the late 80s from Guatemala, settling into a new life as a stay-at-home mom. But, once her son was old enough to go to school, so did she. After earning her Alberta high school diploma and gaining employment as a teacher assistant, she enrolled in Cont Ed's Teacher Assistant Certificate* program. Later, seeing first-hand the need for teacher assistants who could work with visually impaired children, she went on to pursue the Teacher Assistant Professional Development Certificate specializing in Visual Impairment.

Working in a francophone school, Yolanda chose to take French courses as well, and is now close to completing her third Continuing Education certificate: The French Language Studies certificate.

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