Baltimore City resident Renee Gillis recently won The Arc Baltimore’s School Inclusion Award, which recognizes a professional who has demonstrated excellence related to education and inclusion of students with developmental disabilities in the full school experience.
Since 2008 when The Arc Baltimore started its Project SEARCH program, Renee has been the lead instructor at both the University of Maryland in downtown Baltimore and the University of Maryland Medical Center. As a teacher from Baltimore City Schools, she is not only an instructor to these students (most of whom are in their final year of high school), but also helps them transition from the often-sheltered world of school to the very different world of the workplace.
Renee was honored because she establishes clear expectations for all of her students and holds them to a high standard. On a daily basis, she empowers her students to advocate for their interests and take control of their career. Renee transforms students with little or no work experience into responsible employees ready and willing to enter the workforce. We applaud her tireless dedication to the success of her students.