Future Reflections Convention Report 2006
by Sharon Maneki
From the Editor: Sharon Maneki chairs the committee to select the Distinguished Educator of Blind Children for 2007.
The
National Federation of the Blind will recognize an outstanding teacher of blind
children at our 2007 convention next July. The winner of this award will receive
an expense-paid trip to the convention, a check for $1,000, an appropriate plaque,
and an opportunity to make a presentation about the education of blind children
to the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children early in the convention.
Anyone who is currently teaching or counseling blind students or administering a program for blind children is eligible to receive this award. It is not necessary to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind to apply. However, the winner must attend the national convention. Teachers may be nominated by colleagues, supervisors, or friends. The letter of nomination should explain why the teacher is being recommended for this award.
The education of blind children is one of our most important
concerns. Attendance at a National Federation of the Blind convention will enrich
a teachers experience by affording him or her the
opportunity to take part in seminars and workshops on educational issues, to
meet other teachers who work with blind children, to meet parents, and to meet
blind adults who have had experiences in a variety of educational programs.
Help us recognize a distinguished teacher by distributing this form and encouraging
teachers to submit their credentials. We are pleased to offer this award and
look forward to applications from many well-qualified educators.
Please complete the application and attach the following:
A letter of nomination from someone (parent, coworker, supervisor,
etc.) who knows your work;
A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you professionally and knows
your philosophy of teaching; and
A letter from you discussing your beliefs and approach to teaching blind students.
In your letter you may wish to discuss topics such as the following:
What are your views about when and how students should use Braille, large
print, tape recordings, readers, magnification devices, computers, electronic
notetakers, and other technology?
How do you decide whether a child should use print, Braille, or both?
When do you recommend that your students begin instruction in the use of a
slate and stylus, of a Braille writer?
How do you determine which students should learn cane travel (and when) and
which should not?
When should keyboarding be introduced?
When should a child be expected to hand in print assignments independently?
National Federation of the Blind
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
2007 Application
Deadline: May 15, 2007
Name:________________________________________________________________________
Home address:_________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________________________________
Phone: (H)___________________________ (W)___________________________________
E-mail:________________________________________________________________________
School:______________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:_________________________________________________________________
Use a separate sheet of paper and answer the following:
List your degrees, the institutions from which they were received,
and your major area or areas of study.
How long and in what programs have you worked with blind children?
In what setting do you currently work?
Briefly describe your current job and teaching responsibilities.
Describe your current caseload (e.g., number of students, ages, multiple disabilities,
number of Braille-reading students).
Attach the three required letters to this application, and send
all material by May 15, 2007, to Sharon Maneki, chairwoman, Teacher Award Committee,
9013 Nelson Way, Columbia, Maryland 21045; (410) 715-9596.