Education Resources, Inc. is excited to announce this year’s Therapies in the School Conference Master Clinician Scholarship Award recipient is Claire Harris, a school-based physical therapist from Memphis whose work exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and leadership with heart.
Claire serves a large school district where challenges around equity and inclusion are ever-present. Yet she meets those challenges head-on, striving to meet every student where they are and advocating for their fullest participation in school life. Her collaborative nature shines in her work with OTs, SLPs, educators, administrators, transportation professionals, cafeteria workers and families—finding solutions to support students’ access, participation and opportunities to thrive at school.
One story that beautifully illustrates part of what makes Claire our Master Clinician Scholarship recipient is that of a second-grade student with complex medical needs. Once trach-dependent and often homebound due to medical fragility, this student is now preparing to have her trach removed. She’s climbing stairs, playing outside for recess, and enjoying the quintessential childhood joy of using the swing set—thanks to her growing endurance and improving health. School-based therapy, while unique from the medical model, is an integral component of the support available to students with disabilities. Claire’s physical therapy training and experience are put to important use for students with a variety of needs, and as a master clinician, she is adept at deciding, prioritizing and intervening based on multiple health, medical, and developmental factors. In a touching twist, Claire’s new colleague was previously this child’s NICU PT, bringing the story, and the continuum of care, full circle.
Claire strongly values therapy approaches that allow students to participate more fully alongside their peers. She uses a push-in model, often working with students during center time, recess, or PE. Speaking of physical education classes, Claire’s collaboration with PE teachers is a crucial part of group games, sports, field days, and school wide events where adaptive equipment is key in facilitating students’ access, inclusion and participation.
ERI is thrilled to recognize Claire Harris as this year’s Master Clinician Scholarship recipient and celebrate her award with free registration for the 26th Therapies in the School Conference. Her dedication, creativity, and collaborative leadership are off the charts, and yet, we believe she’ll continue to reach new heights for herself, her colleagues and her students with her commitment to continuing education, learning and growth in her field.
Congratulations, Claire! We can’t wait to learn with you in November!
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Therapies in the School Conference 2025
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November 20-21, 2025