We are teachers and support staff who care for children with special needs. We understand students with special needs. And because of this understanding, we can help.

The Third Academy administration believes that excellent teachers are the most important group in meeting the learning needs of our students. All teachers are certified by Alberta Education. The student:teacher ratio is capped at 12:1. Teachers hired to work with our students have qualifications that may include advanced course work, specialized training, and/or experience in Special Education and demonstrate strong skills in the following areas:

• Understanding of the characteristics and needs of students with special needs.
• Specialized instructional and remedial strategies, technologies, materials and curricular adaptations.
• Social and self-concept skills development and behaviour management.
• Co-operative planning, exemplary communication skills and collaborative consultations.
• Assessment, classroom management and motivation.

Specially trained Instructional Assistants are assigned to work with students where needed. Instructional Assistants possess skills and training for the duties they are assigned. That includes but is not limited to:

• An understanding of special needs.
• Collaborative and communication skills.
• Strategies for motivating students.
• Behaviour management skills.

The Third Academy offers a full range of ancillary services in order to support our students' therapuetic needs. A Registered Psychologist is based on-site in the Third Academy Diagnostic and Assessment Centre for counselling and assessment purposes. Program specialists- such as Speech & Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Health Nurses- are contracted on an as needed basis.