Mary Scott is a pioneer in Ontario in special education through her leadership in the education, in-servicing and professional development of teachers and administrators in the education of differently abled children and youth.  Mary received The Fred Bartlett Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education in Ontario. Ms. Scott devoted many years in her career to making a commitment to every child in the York Region school system in King Township and as an instructor on Ontario Ministry of Education special education courses and as an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education, York University. In May, 2022 Mary will celebrate her 100th birthday.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has been a big and important part of Mary Scott’s life and career.  She believes that it is important to work with others for the good of each child and help parents to understand the programs and services available to their children. Early in her career Mary became concerned about students who were challenged in a rural county setting and in her work she became very interested in remedial reading and support for students with learning difficulties.  Ms. Scott convinced many teachers and administrators to enroll in special education certification courses.  In her exemplary roles in her school system, she encouraged many teachers to move into special education programs and was a mentor to many educators over the years.
Ms. Scott is a life-long learner who continued to study throughout her career.  She has devoted many years in support of the work of the CEC locally and provincially. She has attended a number of provincial, national and International conferences over the years and attended the World Council of CEC in Stirling, Scotland.  She began her work in CEC as Secretary of York Region Chapter 543 and served as the Secretary of the Ontario Council for Administrators of Special Education.  Mary became a member of the leadership group of the Ontario Federation of The Council for Exceptional Children and served as the Provincial President in 1984 after being encouraged to do so by Marion McLeod, an Ontario CEC leader.  The theme of the provincial CEC conference during Mary’s leadership was “Commitment To Every Child”.  The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Bette Stephenson, Ontario Minister of Education and Colleges and Universities.
Melinda Gates said that a woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.
Mary would tell you that she was never shy inside but she was challenged to speak in front of a group.  But she found strength to speak out early in her career and continued to be a significant voice on behalf of students who had difficulty adjusting to the constant changes in education and teaching.  Being of Scottish heritage and born in Indiana, Mary was resolved to make a difference as an educator.  Through increasing her knowledge base and a resourceful approach, having empathy, being honest in dealing with others and having fun in the process Mary became a successful networker with school board officials and trustees.  Mary valued a sense of humour in getting the job done. She provided information to people upon request. Later in her career, Mary became the Coordinator of the Jefferson Teacher Centre in York Region.  Teachers found assistance there and speakers provided in-service at that resource centre.
Mary Scott began teaching in 1941, taking some leave time for family commitments. She retired from education in 1985, but in true Mary fashion, she continued to be active in her community.  She has received an honour from King Township as Citizen of the Year for her involvement in the Laskay Womens’ Institute.  Mary has written ten plays to tell the story of Laskay, a small village in York Region which involved students. She has raised funds for the work of the Womens’ Institute.
Julia Child, American Chef, Author and Television Personality has advised to find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.
Early in life, Mary Scott found her passion – COMMITMENT TO EVERY CHILD.  Mary’s career has been exemplary in this cause.  All of CEC applauds Mary Scott for her leadership and pays tribute to her on this special occasion.