Written by: Sabrina Brineth A. Ramos |
The School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), through the Exemplars of Leading with Integrity in Teaching English (ELITE) and the General Education Organization (GEO), successfully conducted a three-Saturday webinar series titled “Beyond Labels” via Zoom on November 15, 22, and 29, 2025.
The webinar aimed to empower pre-service teachers of the University of Baguio, together with participants from outside the University, with deeper understanding of inclusive education. It emphasized the importance of recognizing learners with special needs beyond labels and providing them with meaningful, equitable learning opportunities.
The first session focused on inclusive teaching strategies for learners with special needs. Part 1 was led by Ms. Grace Lucero-Dueñas, MA-SPED, who discussed Differentiated Instruction and Universal
Design for Learning as foundations of inclusive practice. Part 2, held on November 22, 2025, highlighted Positive Classroom Management and Behavioral Support Strategies, shared by Mr. James Wahlstrom, a Special Education Teacher from West Wendover High School, Nevada, USA.
The second session, conducted on November 29, 2025, centered on developing mentoring competencies among pre-service teachers. Dr. Michael James Abad, PhD-DevEd, an educator and learning development specialist based in Dunedin, New Zealand, guided participants on helping learners with special needs build essential life skills, self-advocacy, and independence for future career and community engagement
The webinar series was attended by a total of 188 participants, reflecting strong interest and commitment to promoting inclusive, compassionate, and learner-centered education.
