Building Capacity, Bridging Boards: COE ASD and TEACCH Bring Quebec’s English Network Together
submitted by Jacalyn Armstrong,
Consultant – Inclusive Education,
Student Services Department
From May 21 to 23, 2025, the Centre of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder (COE ASD) hosted a three-day OPQ accredited professional development conference at the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB). The event brought together approximately 58 educators, specialists, and consultants from across Quebec’s English public school boards and specialized settings. Held in LBPSB’s conference room, the training was led by experts from the internationally respected TEACCH program: clinical director Nicole Dreiling, Ph.D. and instructor Britt Patterson. The gathering served not only as a rich learning experience but also as a significant moment of connection for Quebec’s English education community, united in advancing inclusive practices for Autistic students.
The TEACCH program, developed at the University of North Carolina, draws on decades of research and expertise in structured teaching. It emphasizes using visual supports, individualized work systems, and a strong focus on fostering independence for students with ASD. Participants engaged in hands-on training and interactive discussions that bridged the gap between theory and classroom practice. The TEACCH team’s practical approach helped educators envision how these strategies could be tailored to diverse classroom settings and student needs. LBPSB staff were particularly active participants, reflecting the board’s strong commitment to inclusive education. Tanya Cutrone, a special education technician at St. Patrick’s Elementary School, shared, “I was surprised by how much more flexible these strategies are than I initially thought. They’re not just for resource rooms—they can be brought right into regular classrooms. Now that I understand how they’re meant to be implemented, I see how effective and accessible they really are for inclusive settings. The aide/teacher-led components can become meaningful bonding moments that strengthen the connection between students and staff.”
Janet Sauvé, a readaptation officer with the Western Québec School Board, added, “This kind of workshop is so valuable because it strengthens collaboration among consultants and equips us to bring TEACCH-inspired strategies directly into our schools. It’s a chance to reflect, refresh our practices, and share what we’ve learned with our complementary services teams to better support our school communities. Let’s aim for better practices than we had yesterday—because ultimately, this helps us create more accessible classrooms where students can succeed.”
Throughout the conference, the spirit of collaboration among school boards was especially strong. Educators, support staff, and administrators exchanged ideas and adaptations from their own settings, enriching the collective learning experience. Many participants sought practical strategies for supporting diverse learners—from general inclusive classroom recommendations to innovative approaches for engaging youth to adult learners in specialized settings. All were eager to explore hands-on ways to apply structured teaching strategies that make a meaningful difference in their classrooms. Katie Cohene, Ph.D., Co-coordinator for the COE ASD, emphasized the event’s distinct role in uniting educators across Quebec: “Everyone brings unique perspectives shaped by their own teaching and learning environments. Despite these differences, we all share a common goal: to improve the lives of the students we support.” The atmosphere encouraged open dialogue and mutual support—core values championed by both the COE ASD and the TEACCH model. Reflecting on the experience, Marjolain Quer, a Consultant in Inclusive Education from the Central Québec School Board, remarked, “I really appreciated the layout, content, and structure of the workshop. The step-by-step practical exercises were especially helpful. I also loved the table discussions—they gave us a chance to talk through implementation in a hands-on way with others who share similar classroom realities.”
As the conference concluded, attendees left equipped with new tools, deeper knowledge, and a renewed commitment to inclusive practices. The event served not only as professional development but also as a powerful reminder of the value of shared learning and collaboration. Thanks to the leadership of the COE ASD and the expertise of the TEACCH team, the conference made a lasting impact on the province’s inclusive education landscape within the Anglophone school boards. This professional development opportunity affirmed that when educators come together with a shared purpose, meaningful progress is possible for all learners.
To learn more about the Centre of Excellence for ASD and access resources, visit coeasd.lbpsb.qc.ca.
