Mason Creek Middle Program Improves Student Empathy, Culture

DOUGLASVILLE, GA – Three teachers at Mason Creek Middle School recently shared information about their intern program at the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education conference in Savannah. Their session, titled “Changing School Culture through Exceptional Ambassadors,” highlighted their program of having general education students become involved in the self contained classroom.

Eighth grade students compete to be an intern in the special education classes. These interns go with their new friends to their connections classes where they assist the students who have disabilities and include them in activities with the general education population. The interns also complete projects on disabilities, advocacy, and inclusion.

The popular program has impacted the school overall along with the student interns, the students being served, and their parents.

"I have witnessed empathy, which is a tough thing to teach middle school students because they are very intrinsically motivated,” said Mason Creek Middle School Principal Eric Collins. “I have seen a lot of that now where they are empathetic to struggles of students."

Intern Reece White appreciates the experiences she has had as an intern. “This program allows people to learn about others' differences and to grow into open minded, genuine, accepting people at a young age. School is typically a place to learn math, history, or literature, but this allowed me to learn how to genuinely love people, despite their differences. "

Pictured above is student intern Reece White with her friend Colby Inscoe. Reece was an athlete assistant at Special Olympics.

Photo courtesy Douglas County School System