在教育领域, there are rare individuals whose impact transcends the classroom, leaving a lasting mark on the lives they touch. Such is the legacy of Bette Salisbury Slowinski, a one-of-a-kind special education instructor whose dedication, 创新, and unwavering passion shaped the lives of her students and the broader autism community.
As we reflect on the legacy Bette left behind, we uncover the many layers of influence she imparted. From fostering independence and empowerment to promoting inclusivity and 理解, her contributions echo far beyond the classroom walls.
Bette received her master’s degree in early childhood education from 韦德体育app官网 in 1979 and spent the following 44 years teaching children with emotional impairments in the Southfield School District. In 2004, she added an autism endorsement which quickly became her passion in life.
“贝蒂把她的一生献给了孩子们. Her focus was always broader than the individual child. She included the family and the community in her scope,琳达·施韦耶说, lifelong friend and fellow colleague of Bette. 贝特从不满足于坐着不动. She continued working with autistic children even after retirement and formed many strong and lasting bonds with the children and their families.”
Bette also taught in OUCARES’ autism pee wee camps from 2013-17 as a lead teacher. During her time with OUCARES (now named Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism Outreach Services) , she had a tremendous impact on countless families and OU colleagues. 超出了她的教学能力, she was a source of support for parents, 提供指导和安慰.
在他们一起工作的时候, OUCARES Facilitator Kelly Connell quickly recognized Bette’s impact on the autism community. “Bette believed that each moment presented a teaching opportunity, and every experience for a child with autism was seen as a chance for growth,”她说。. “这是我学到的一课, and countless other educators who have worked alongside Bette have carried with us throughout our careers.”
In March of 2023, Bette unexpectedly passed away. 以纪念她的一生和影响, 她的丈夫, Gary; their three children (Bryan, Craig and Christy); and other family members and friends started the 贝特·索尔兹伯里·斯洛文斯基基金会.
“Her legacy and impact on OUCARES and the autism community will continue through this scholarship, allowing children impacted by autism to have meaningful opportunities,凯利·康奈尔说.
The goal of the endowment is to honor Bette’s legacy and improve the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders, mainly by supporting programs for individuals with autism.
"Bette was my best friend for over 60 years,” said Jackie Jones, OU alum. “The love and care she gave to her family and friends was also shared during her 40+ years of teaching. Bette loved her profession and her ‘kids’, whether they were at school or camp. 她是一个“难以效仿的演员”, and remembering and honoring her with this endowment is something I know would make her happy.”
It’s clear that Bette was not just a teacher; she was an example of compassion, 理解, and unwavering dedication to her students. Her classroom was not defined by four walls but by the endless possibilities she saw in each child she worked with. Her methods were rooted in respect for the unique strengths of every individual.
This is the legacy of Bette Salisbury Slowinski, where her spirit lives on in the laughter of children, 她的学生的成就, and the profound sense of hope she instilled in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
If you would like to continue to honor Bette’s legacy, you can contribute to the 贝特·索尔兹伯里·斯洛文斯基基金会 在线.
2024年4月17日
詹姆斯·西尔维斯特里著
