COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN DIVISION ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS PRESENTS 2006 AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN LOUISVILLE

DIVISION ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Pictured:  CEC-DVI 2007 Teacher of the Year being presented her award by DVI Past-President David Ross.

The Council for Exceptional Children Division on Visual Impairments is proud to present the Teacher of the Year Award to Dr. Sheila Amato at the International Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on April 19, 2007.  Sheila Amato is a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired for the East Meadow School District, Long Island, New York.      

The Teacher of the Year Award honors a person who is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and a skilled certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist in any state approved or accredited day or specialized school, who serves students who are visually impaired, ages birth through 21, with or without additional disabilities.

Dr. Amato is recognized for her leadership as a teacher and leader in working with children who are blind or have vision loss.  Her ability to connect to her students has been demonstrated many times over her career.  In addition to her full time teaching schedule Dr. Amato teaches Braille in graduate programs at the university level.

Her peers nominated her because she inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues and builds on the knowledge base of the profession.  Dr. Amato received this prestigious award for her diligent work as an advocate for children with visual impairments and for being a mentor to other professionals in the field.  Dr. Amato is known for being innovative and creative in her teaching for children with vision loss.

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