Celebrating Inclusive Education
Honouring 2025 Sheelagh Nolan Award Recipient, Claire Wight
Autism Nova Scotia is proud to present the 2025 Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching to Claire Wight, Learning Centre Teacher at Bible Hill Junior High School. Claire’s commitment to neuroaffirming, student-centred education has made a meaningful impact on her school community and the families she supports.
Claire grew up in Newfoundland, where she spent her time skiing, creating art, and discovering her love of teaching through coaching young skiers. It was also in high school that she first learned about autism, a moment that sparked a lifelong desire to understand, support, and advocate for neurodivergent people.
After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Claire moved to Nova Scotia and explored a variety of roles, from working in insurance to helping run a rock-climbing gym. When her children were young, she operated a small home daycare, creating a warm, flexible, and creative environment for little learners. It was during these years that she realized teaching was where she truly belonged.
Claire returned to Newfoundland to complete her Bachelor of Education at Memorial University, and in 2013 relocated to Truro, where she lives today with her two children, now 21 and 17, and her partner who is also a teacher. Over the next decade, she taught English Language Arts, Social Studies, Art, Food and Nutrition, and Healthy Living. She later completed a Master of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University before becoming the Learning Centre Teacher at Bible Hill Junior High in 2023.
Claire’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in empathy and lived experience. As an educator and a parent of neurodivergent children, she brings insight, compassion, and authenticity to her work. She partners closely with specialists, families, and school staff to create learning that is accessible, meaningful, and responsive to each student’s strengths.
Her classroom is a place where students are welcomed exactly as they are. Whether she is supporting communication needs, building sensory-friendly routines, encouraging friendships, or helping students gain independence, Claire focuses on creating an environment where every learner feels safe, understood, and included.
The Sheelagh Nolan Award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to support autistic students, and Claire embodies this commitment wholeheartedly. Her dedication is shaping not only her students’ experiences, but the culture of inclusion within her school.
Congratulations, Claire, and thank you for helping create classrooms where every student can thrive.
