Catholic school board appoints new director of learning supports

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 17, 2024.

Effective Aug. 1 the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education appointed Monica Braat as director of learning supports and services, a role that supports student well-being by collaborating with school support teams across the division.

Of her 32-year educating career, Braat has spent 26 years working as a teacher and consultant with the Catholic school division. Braat has earned a masters of education from the University of Lethbridge and a doctorate of education from Western University.

Over the past 14 years Bratt’s work has centred on inclusive education by ensuring all students have access to general education classrooms and curriculum by collaborating with school staff, families and service providers.

As director of learning supports and services, Braat will use that collaboration experience to develop personalized plans that support school success and long-term goals for students with special needs.

Part of her role will be working with learning support teachers to help educators implement effective classroom and instructional practice.

Additionally she will oversee the ongoing development of forms of workflows to ensure compliance with provincial education requirements as well as planning and constructive reporting.

Braat also teaches graduate courses on literacy and numeracy for students with complex needs as a team lecturer for the University of Alberta.