Welcome to the Kent Transition Center!

Who Am I?

My name is Debra Rajaratne and I am the English Language Arts instructor at KTC.  I was born in Kingsley, MI, and am the second youngest of 5 girls.  I attended Kingsley High School, Northwestern Michigan College, and Grand Valley State University graduating with a bachelors degree in group social studies education and a minor in English.  I love to sing, travel, cook, and learn new languages.  I also have a masters degree in educational technology and I hope to achieve another masters degree in administration or a doctorate in educational technology.

What Do I Do?

I will be getting your student prepared for the world of work and independence through increasing vocabulary, writing for employment, and speech for employment.  We will be learning new vocabulary throughout the course of their classes, producing various types of writing, researching, and presenting our ideas and ourselves through speech and presentations.  We are currently working to get your student a 1/2 credit of English this year to aid them in the graduation process.

We also have a partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).  MRS works with people who have disabilities of any kind, to help them find and keep a job.  Also, after becoming established with MRS, if you ever lose a job, you can contact MRS and they will help you find another.  KTC and MRS have partnered to help your student have the possibility of getting a paid job during the summer of 2017.  This is a real job, with a real paycheck, and is not for a grade like our work-based learning (year 2) program at KTC.  This is a real job to help our students get a start on gaining experience and your student has a chance to be a part of this program by attending KTC.  We will let you know what requirements you/they must reach and being making calls home soon.

In Conclusion

I look forward to this year with your child and if you or your child have any question, please feel free to contact me.  Thank you!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Rajaratne
a.k.a Mrs. R
(616) 301-8837
(616) 965-1836