Heather Fortin joined The New England Center for Children (NECC) as a teacher 30 years ago. Her first 15 years were spent as a teacher and program specialist with NECC before she joined Simmons University, for which she currently serves as a professor and the practicum coordinator for the Simmons graduate program at NECC. She was nominated by a colleague because “she cares so much about her Simmons practicum students and advocates tirelessly for them, on top of her other responsibilities. She makes herself available 24/7 to her students and understands that life and work get in the way sometimes. Heather is so supportive and makes the biggest difference in her students’ success!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
This week marks 30 years working with NECC. I spent the first 15 years of my career working across the residential and day school programs as a teacher, a program specialist, and also had part-time roles within the Development Department. For the last 15 years, I have worked for Simmons University in a number of capacities, including the last four at my current rank as an assistant professor of practice and the practicum coordinator for Simmons University. Through my job with Simmons, I work closely with and advise NECC staff as they progress through the Simmons master’s degree program.
What are your responsibilities as faculty for Simmons University?
I am the professor for the graduate students (NECC staff) who are in their final year of our Master of Science in Education Autism Specialization with Severe Disabilities Licensure program. I teach the seminar/ Autism I and II courses, as well as oversee Practicum. I also assist Chris Evans in building and maintaining a strong graduate program presence at NECC in Southborough, in the programs that have been created and expanded to the NECC Public School Services Program, and at MRC-NECC in the UAE.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is being a part of and helping facilitate the strong relationship between Simmons University and NECC for so many years. Having the opportunity to teach the Simmons graduate students who have a direct impact teaching the students at NECC each day is incredibly rewarding. The progress I witness is multi-layered.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism? Why NECC?
In my undergrad at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), I had a friend whose friend was already working at NECA (at the time, NECC was NECA, The New England Center for Autism). I was completing my counseling internship in the Hampton, NH middle school and loved the experience I had working with a diverse group of challenging students. I knew I wanted to put my psychology degree to work as a teacher and NECA offered me the opportunity to do just that while also pursuing my master’s degree in education through Simmons. It was an easy decision for me. I was working at NECA within three weeks of graduating and enrolled in the Simmons program two months later.
When I graduated from UNH, the opportunities to teach students with disabilities and the comprehensive training I received on the job were incredible to me. I loved the team approach that NECC utilized across its residential program. So many teachers and coworkers that I have met along the way have become lifelong friends of mine. I am very blessed.
How has the graduate programs and teacher training affected your career?
As a licensed teacher myself, I am always working towards increasing my teaching knowledge and adopting best practices every day. I feel my teaching style within the Simmons University program has evolved over the years as I continue to build upon my own experience as a teacher and now professor. I make it a priority to engage in reflective practice often. I may be the professor for the graduate students in their practicum, but I truly enjoy learning from their teaching and life experiences each year.
What is something you would like people to know about the Simmons master’s degree program?
For those new teachers just starting their career at NECC, or teachers already working at NECC who are not enrolled, and considering a master’s degree, it is an incredible employee benefit. Some of these benefits include taking classes on site at NECC or via hybrid model (no driving into Boston!), all while being paid in your full-time job and receiving your MSEd for FREE. The resources and support you have as a graduate student throughout the completion of the program is strong. I highly recommend, if you are interested, to speak to a colleague you know who has gone through the program or is currently in the program. Or you can reach out to me directly, as I went through the program myself in 1993!
Why should staff take advantage of the free MA program?
Upon successful completion of the MSEd Autism Specialization with Severe Disabilities Licensure program, teachers will not only have a master’s degree with an autism specialization designation on their official transcript, but also their initial severe disabilities teaching license and a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement. All for free.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
This is a big year for me and my family—my son just graduated from college and my daughter is getting married in the fall—and I am soaking up every bit of it! I am looking forward to family time in the months to come, hiking and being in nature, and reading some new books!
Who is someone you look up to?
There isn’t one person I could pinpoint for this question. My husband, Roger; my daughter, Allison; my son, Benjamin; and my parents, Patty and Ray, have such an influence on me and what I do each day. Collectively, they guide me through all aspects of my life, and I am so grateful for them.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
I have a quote from Barbara Bush taped above my computer monitor at work that resonates with me now more than ever. It reads, “At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.”