Kent Island— The Arc of Maryland has awarded Andrea Schulte the prestigious Statewide School Inclusion Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to providing inclusive educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Accompanied by her QACPS Fine Arts Supervisor, Michael Bell, Andrea was presented with this award at The Arc Maryland’s 2024 State Convention Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 30th, at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.
Andrea Schulte has become a renowned educator at Kent Island High School (KIHS), not only as the 2023 QACPS Teacher of the Year but also for her significant strides in promoting inclusion and diversity within the school community. Her commitment to inclusivity is exemplified through her active involvement in The Arc’s “Together We’re Better” art contest and her consistent advocacy for initiatives that foster awareness and understanding of inclusive educational opportunities.
Andrea’s remarkable leadership and compassion were highlighted by KIHS students sweeping state honors in the 2023 art contest, and again, with a student state award winner in 2024. Under her guidance, these students created powerful messages of inclusivity and acceptance, showcased during ArtScene, QACPS’ K-12 annual district-wide student art exhibition. Additionally, Andrea spearheaded the creation of a collaborative student mural with her National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and students with disabilities in the PACS program, further promoting a culture of inclusion.
Andrea’s dedication continued to shine in 2024 as she empowered her student award recipient to determine how the school would utilize the prize money earned in the 2024 state contest. This culminated in facilitating an Art Party for students with developmental disabilities, creating a joyful and inclusive after-school event at KIHS and canvas paintings created by PACS students later exhibited at ArtScene.
Beyond her artistic initiatives, Andrea’s advocacy for inclusive education is personal and profound. This year, while championing her own students at Disabilities Day at the Legislature, she was battling recent traumatic hearing loss, and now finds herself living with a permanent hearing disability. Her unwavering dedication to students with disabilities, even while facing personal challenges, sets a powerful example for building a compassionate community that transcends the classroom.
“For her transformative impact on students’ lives and her unwavering commitment to inclusion, Andrea Schulte is truly deserving of The Arc of Maryland’s Statewide School Inclusion Award,” said Bell. “Her efforts not only align perfectly with The Arc’s mission of creating a world where children and adults with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities, but they also thrive under her tutelage.
Dr. Saelens, Superintendent of Schools, and Principal Dan Harding also extended heartfelt congratulations to Andrea Schulte for this well-deserved statewide recognition.