Elena England of the Teacher Education Program of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School has been chosen as the 2022 Patty Hopkins-Acos Memorial Fellow. This fellowship supports Teacher Education Program students working toward the Educational Specialist Credential, who demonstrate the professional and personal dedication exemplified by Patty Hopkins Acos throughout her career with special needs children. This fellowship recognizes and encourages future special education teachers who, like Patty, inspire others with their excitement about teaching, compassion, irrepressible energy, courage, integrity, and sense of humor.
This scholarship benefits an outstanding UCSB graduate student who demonstrates a passion for and dedication to serving children with special needs. The goal is to make this an annual award given in honor of Patty Hopkins-Acos whose 30-year career in special education changed the lives of so many children and families in Santa Barbara.
Elena England is a graduate student pursuing an Education Specialist Credential and Masters of Education in Moderate to Severe supporting-needs teaching. She received a degree in Sociology at UCSB and graduated in June of 2021. England has worked at Partners in Education for the Job Readiness program, facilitating workshops for disadvantaged students. She hopes to make a difference in the lives of her students and give them the tools they need to be successful in life.