Three teachers from around the country received the Outstanding Teacher Award at the CLD International Conference in Myrtle Beach. Below is a brief description of each teacher and their roles played in special education.

Sue Cartwright, Colorado Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities

  Sue Cartwright has been selected as CCLD’s Teacher of the year for 2007.  Deb Montgomery her Director of Special Education writes:  “As a special education teacher, Sue is top notch.  She has demonstrated the ability to work effectively with a wide range of learners.  During her 30 years as a special education teacher, Sue collaborated closely and successfully with special and general educators, parents, administrators and community membersÿ Sue is well known for her efforts to include all students with disabilities in meaningful ways in the school communityÿ Most of all she cares deeply about the success of all learners and does her best to ensure that success.”

   Principal, Roy Getchell writes:  “Sue Cartwright, above all, is an advocate for every child.  She always does what is best for children in her care, even when it is difficult.  She does not accept no for an answer when her students’ best interests are at stake and looks for positive outcomes in all situations.”

   Ruth Frith writes:  “Sue is a true lifelong learner.  I respect the way she willingly and positively seeks out classes and workshops on new teaching programs and techniques.  She is humble about her skills and always open to consider new sound practices.  Her openness to new practices, while still examining them for their validity, has helped her assist many students to learn.”

   And finally, the parents of one of her students, David and Shelley Kooser write:  Sue is more than an exceptional teacher for children with learning disabilities, her effect is felt by the family of the disabled child as well.  Too numerous times to count, Jeff would come home after school and proclaim that he and Sue had accomplished what we thought would have been an unattainable task for him alone.  His excitement and enthusiasm for school and learning in general is directly attributable to Sue’s efforts.”

           CCLD is proud to recognize Sue Cartwright as our Teacher of the Year.!

Chris Blevins, Virginia Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities

   Chris Blevins is a graduate of Radford University with a degree in general education K-7 and special education endorsements in specific learning disabilities, emotionally disturbed and educable mentally handicapped. Her love is reported to have always been working with children with learning disabilities. Chris’ work experience includes teaching kindergarten for seven years and working in special education programs serving students with mixed disability types for twenty-plus years. Presently she is teaching grades one through four in a dual model (part inclusion and part resource). In addition to these experiences, Chris tutored an adult who had a learning disability in math so that he could go to college and get his degree in computer technology. Furthermore, she served on the Board of Director for the Matthews Living Farm Museum as an Educational Coordinator. This work involved planning programs and curriculums that reinforced the standards of learning and taught the regions cultural heritage.

   Ray Bedsaul, Director of Student Services - Galax City Public Schools had these words to describe Chris: Committed, dedicated, great smile, cute as a button, thorough in her duties, willingness to improve her abilities by attending conferences and seminars, open communication, great sense of caring and respect, most knowledgeable instructional specialist ever known, adjusts instruction to the child, communications skills makes people feel good regardless of disability and brings out the "strength" in everybody.

   Rebecca Cardwell, Assistant Superintendent - Galax City Public Schools had these words to share about Chris. From the first time I met her, it was obvious that she would be an outstanding teacher. Time proved my first impression to be correct. Mrs. Belvins projects a calm, friendly, professional attitude that instantly makes you comfortable in her presence. This attitude is prevalent in her classroom and with her students. The environment she designs for students is safe and nurturing and they are always excited to attend her class. [Furthermore] ÿShe has conducted workshops for our faculty members to demonstrate effective programs or techniques for special education students. She is often asked to consult with other teachers when students are experiencing difficulties in the classroom.

           The Virginia Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities is pleased to submit Chris’ name for recognition at the international level.

Stephanie Peyser, Northwest Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities

   As a special education teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School for over nine years in the Yakima School District, Ms. Peyser has served as a special education, general education and substitute teacher.  Throughout this time she has, shares Ms. Blodgett-Goins, demonstrated excellence as a teacher, continually advancing her students’ academic, social and emotional needs. Ms. Blodgett-Goins states, “when I first began working with Stephanie, it was obvious that she had outstanding skills as a teacher, but she has blossomed over the years as a strong leader in the building.”

   In her nomination letter, many exemplary qualities are shared which the NWCLD Executive Board believes are truly worthy of recognition.  We would like to outline a few of those qualities below.

• Ms. Peyser is a strong advocate for her students and makes every effort to address all their needs. 
• Stephanie gets to know her students and families on a very personal level, recognizing the impact that major and minor traumas at home have on a students’ academic growth.
• Stephanie is constantly seeking the most up-to-date, most effective, research-based methods to reach her students.  The range of students she serves is significant, yet she always tailors her instruction to their individual needs. She puts in long hours finding the best ways to reach her students.
• Stephanie is also an active leader in her building.  She participates in the Supportive Learning Environment committee whose charge is to make sure that the entire learning community of the school is positive and productive. She has taken the lead in training staff in “Love and Logic” the building school-wide philosophy of addressing discipline issues.  The school is located in a high poverty and high crime neighborhood and this committee has managed to make the school a very positive learning environment for students, teachers, and families of the school.
• Ms. Peyser is the summer school coordinator and has managed to develop that program so that students are excited to attend.

            The NWCLD Executive Board is pleased to recognize and share the significant contributions that Ms. Peyser brings to the students at her school, actively supporting and advocating for a quality education for students with learning disabilities.  As stated by Ms. Blodgett-Goins, “Her students are lucky to have a powerful advocate, teacher, and supporter.”

Selection Criteria
Individual chapters develop criteria for selection of an outstanding teacher. Applicants should contact either the national CLD office or the president of their state/local CLD chapter for application materials and criteria.

Notification Process
Application materials are reviewed by procedures determined by individual chapters. The names of the award winners must be submitted to the national CLD office by May 15. Information on award winners must include a one-page summary of accomplishments and contributions to the field of learning disabilities.

To obtain the name/address of your CLD Chapter president, contact the national CLD Office:

Linda Nease, Executive Director of CLD
11184 Antioch Road
Box 405
Overland Park, KS 66210

913-491-1011

Deadline: Chapter deadline to be determined by individual chapters.

Submission Date and Place
Nomination materials should be sent by May 15th to:

Mary Provost
P. O. Box 2266
Mount Pleasant, SC 29465
913-491-1011 voice
913-491-1012 fax
mcprovost@bellsouth.net

Winners will be notified by August 15.