|
|
|
DIVISION ON
VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 2003 AWARDSIt is time to
CELEBRATE!!! One of the greatest benefits and activities of a
professional organization is the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of
our peers and members. Please
seriously consider nominating outstanding colleagues for the DVI awards
described below. Participating in
our association by taking the time to nominate a valued colleague is always
heart-warming and appreciated. Send
the nominations to Stuart Wittenstein (contact information follows) by Distinguished Service AwardThis award is presented to a DVI member who provides exemplary leadership and commitment to the field. A letter of nomination should be submitted describing the reasons for nomination. Additional information and support letters can be included. Past recipients of
the CEC-DVI Distinguished Service Award include:
1984 Natalie Barraga Outstanding Dissertation of the YearDVI members who have completed a dissertation in visual impairment and blindness in 2002 are encouraged to submit a summary for consideration as the Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. The summaries may not exceed 20 double-spaced, typewritten pages and should include an abstract, introduction, methodology, procedures, data analysis, results, and conclusions. Entries will be rated on technical soundness and continuity, contribution to the field, writing quality, research design and methodology, data analysis, and interpretation of results. The Virginia Sowell Student of the Year AwardDVI members who are students in undergraduate or graduate
teacher preparation programs in blindness and visual impairment are eligible for
the Virginia Sowell Student of the Year Award.
New this year!! A $500
stipend will be provided to assist the award recipient with travel expenses for
attendance at the CEC conference in Seattle! Nominees should demonstrate leadership skills and potential, as well as superior grades. A letter of nomination should be submitted describing the reasons for nomination. Additional documentation can be included. The Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award is in honor of Dr. Virginia Murray Sowell. Her devotion to teaching students with visual impairments began in 1955 with the creation of a new program within the San Antonio Independent School District. Her commitment and extra time devoted to the program made it a success. Dr. Sowell attended summer school at the University of Minnesota, the University of Texas, and San Francisco State University to pursue studies in visual impairment and orientation and mobility. After earning her Ph.D. in special education at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Sowell accepted a position at Texas Tech University. Her clear vision and dynamic energy created and developed a program in visual impairments at Texas Tech that is recognized internationally as a cutting edge model. Dr. Sowell trained professionals to improve the lives of individuals with visual impairments in the nation and beyond. She had a strong commitment to training quality teachers and O&M specialists. She took a personal interest in all of her students, tailored programs to meet each student’s needs, and continued to stay in contact with former students long after they finished their training. Her lifetime contributions to the profession mattered to countless numbers of children and adults with visual impairments. The Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education in Visual Impairment was created in January 1998 as a way to continue her work in perpetuity. TEACHER
OF THE YEAR AWARD A
candidate for DVI Teacher of the Year should be an exceptionally dedicated,
knowledgeable, and skilled certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist in any state approved or
accredited day or residential school, who serves students who are visually
impaired, ages birth through 21, with or without additional disabilities.
The candidate must be a member in good standing of the Division on Visual
Impairments of the Council for Exceptional Children. Among
the attributes such a candidate should have are: The
teacher – 1. inspires
students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. 2. has the respect
and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues 3. builds on the
knowledge base of the profession 4. is creative and
innovative 5. is an advocate
for children with visual impairments 6. demonstrates a
commitment to professional development 7. is a mentor to
other professionals in the field Nominations
should include: 1.
A nominating letter 2.
At least 2 letters of
recommendation from either the teacher's supervisor, peers, parents, students Exemplary Advocate AwardThe Exemplary Advocate Award is for anyone who has done something to promote the quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. This nominee does not have to be a DVI member. A letter of nomination should be submitted describing the reasons for nomination. Additional documentation can be included. Awards will be presented at the DVI General Business meeting at the CEC Annual Convention, April 10, 2003 in Seattle, WA. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2003. Nominations can be
submitted to: Stuart Wittenstein, Ed.D.
Back to Awards Page Back to DVI Home Page |