Only the principal and another teacher were in on the secret: Melanie Wettlaufer was headed to Scotland.

A special education teacher at Great Neck Elementary School in Waterford, Wettlaufer earlier this year had applied for a Fund for Teachers grant that would allow her to attend the triennial World Down Syndrome Congress in Glasgow this summer.

Wettlaufer, who described one of her special needs students, Fiona Wertz, as her "lovebug," hoped to attend the international session to gain a deeper understanding of the academic, social and behavioral best practices for students with Down syndrome implemented by educators around the globe.

On the morning of Thursday, April 5, representatives from Fund for Teachers and the Dalio Foundation snuck through the halls of Great Neck — which, thanks to students and help from Fiona's mother, Stephanie, were still decked out with brightly colored mismatched socks to advocate for individual rights, inclusion and respect in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

Then the representatives opened Wettlaufer's classroom doors to surprise her, followed by applause from students and staff.

"I'm so excited. I cannot wait," she said as she gave a round of hugs.

Wettlaufer said her goal was to bring back global information on inclusiveness and academics to the special education team at Great Neck. The international conference draws more than 1,200 educators, parents and people with Down syndrome.

"Getting those tips from people around the world is a lot to learn," she said, noting it's always helpful to find innovative methods to help students gain reading and math skills — and a greater understanding of each other.

Principal Billie Shea, who had to sign off on Wettlaufer's application, said she was thrilled her teacher received the opportunity.

"She really goes above and beyond in terms of doing things for students and thinking outside the box for students who have any specialized needs," Shea said. "She's always looking for new strategies and new ways to help kids learn."

Wettlaufer was one of 149 teachers throughout the state to receive a Fund for Teachers grant earlier this month. The grants were made available through $650,000 in support from the Dalio Foundation, which helps strengthen public education in Connecticut.

The Fund for Teachers is an independent nonprofit that annually awards grants to pre-K through 12th grade teachers seeking self-designed summer fellowships for professional learning. Since 2001, the fund has awarded almost $30 million in grants and empowered nearly 8,000 teachers to explore their passions and enhance their craft.

Other area teachers awarded include Stacie Dempsey of Fields Memorial School in Bozrah; Margaret Dewey of Northeast Academy Arts Magnet School in Mystic; Lucia Roberts of Winthrop STEM Elementary Magnet School in New London; Peter Diette of Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London; Kathleen Kuvalanka of East Lyme Middle School in Niantic; Kaitlin Johnson of Stonington High School; Timothy Flanagan and Elaine Temel, both of Pawcatuck Middle School; Katherine McCarney of Mohegan Elementary School in Uncasville, and Kimberly Thibeau of Waterford High School.

b.kail@theday.com