Virginia Kircanski teaches an integrated curriculum to first- graders at Flora S. Curtis School in Pawtucket. Mrs. Kircanski has long been an advocate for inclusion and has helped educate others to share her vision to "provide a positive experience for all children." In recent years, Mrs. Kircanski has obtained the support of the Special Education Department of Pawtucket in the implementation of a model program for the instruction of children with autism. In addition to teaching an inclusion program in her first-grade classroom, she currently trains other teachers in this growing program that she created. "All of our children are progressing, and I'm very proud to be a part of it," says Mrs. Kircanski. She is also involved in numerous school-based community support programs, as well as in afterschool homework, art, and drama club activities.
