It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, Jennifer Tong, who passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
Throughout her stellar career, Jennifer has been a tireless champion for students with exceptional needs and a strong advocate for inclusive education. She is a life long learner and educator of the highest integrity.
Jennifer is a founding member of the BC CEC and has served on the executive of the BC CEC since 1995. Her work for the Executive of the BC CEC has encompassed numerous roles, including; Treasurer, Membership chair, Awards chair, RA, President Elect, President, and Past President. Jennifer has been instrumental in maintaining and promoting CEC and BC CEC as the voice and vision of special and inclusive education in our province.
Jennifer has also been involved with the larger Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at the national and international level. She has been a member of CEC since 1980. As a long term member of CEC, Jennifer has served in a leadership position as the BC Representative to the Board of Governors, as the Canadian Director-at-large for the Board of Directors, as a committee member of the Canadian-US Committee, as the chair of the US-Canadian work group and the US-Canadian Ad Hoc Committee, and as the local arrangements chair for the Annual Convention and Expo, both in 2000 and 2003. In addition, Jennifer has been a member of a number of CEC divisions including; Pioneers, CASE, CCBD, CEDS, DADD, DCDD, DEC, and DLD.
Jennifer has served at a national level for the CEC as a member of the Executive for the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children. Her roles for the CCEC included chairing the National Conference, chairing the Scholarship and Awards Committee, and serving as President Elect, President and Past President.
Jennifer has dedicated her life to serving others and to improving educational practices for students with exceptional needs in an inclusive setting at a provincial, national and international level. Countless students, parents and teachers have benefitted from her leadership and dedication. She will be greatly missed.