Heather Haynes Smith: Advocating for Inclusion in Education

By Sophie Dwyer

Out of sight, out of mind. That’s the philosophy some educational administration applies to students who have disabilities. Assistant professor of education Dr. Heather Haynes Smith is working to rectify that situation, through teaching inclusion and universal design of learning, which allows students of all levels of ability to learn.

Smith teaches an array of classes regarding education for people with disabilities, including Understanding Learners with Exceptionalities, Learning Disabilities & Behavior Disorders, and Reading Difficulties with Diverse Populations. “Engaged citizenry is what I try to do," says Smith. "I want everybody just kind of weighing in, and being a part of this, and we’re all going to get to a place together."

Saturday Morning Experience Lets Children Showcase Learning

The Saturday Morning Experience fair
(photo by Colton Hawkins)

By Colton Hawkins

The parking lot behind the Coates Library along Hildebrand Avenue was abuzz Saturday morning with booths, music, children, and Trinity students, as Trinity’s Department of Education held the Saturday Morning Experience Market and Educational Fair.

Dozens of students, in first through eighth grade, from San Antonio schools set up booths to showcase what they have learned about in class throughout the year, such as the environment and animal life. Students also came up with products related to their learning that they can sell to people, such as games or crafts that help protect the environment.