Three teachers from around the country received the Outstanding Teacher Award at the 31st CLD International Conference in Dallas. Below is a brief description of each teacher and their roles in special education.
Kristin R. Radloff, Colorado Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities
Kristin Radloff has worked in the field of education as an early childhood professional for the past seventeen years. Through this position she had made a difference in the lives of her students and their families by making connections across cultural and educational boundaries. Presently, Ms. Radloff works as an Early Childhood Special Educator/Preschool Teacher in an inclusive classroom at the Upper Blue Elementary School in Breckenridge, Colorado. According to her Principal, Kerry Buhler, and others who wrote in support of her nomination, Ms. Radloff creates and maintains a wonderfully positive learning environment, is skilled in differentiating content based on individual needs, and provides alternate means of content delivery in order to best accommodate the differing abilities of her students, many of whom have limited communication skills, language challenges, and physical disabilities, as well as severe behavioral challenges. Ms. Radloff works tirelessly to provide students the opportunity to develop and learn while seamlessly adapting her teaching methodologies without altering the content and curriculum. Ms. Radloff is reported to be an extremely effective communicator with the families of her students and creates a welcoming environment for all. Additionally, Ms. Radloff is viewed as a team player who values collaboration with her school community to ensure the best transition for her students as they move to Kindergarten. She promotes integration of her students into the larger school community and has set up a partnering program with older students in the school. Finally, one of the skills for which Ms. Radloff’s is most noted is her ability to create an engaging and innovative environment for learning. Her supporters indicated Ms. Radloff’s teaching techniques level the playing field for all learners, and that other students in the school are drawn to her classroom to explore the exciting virtual learning opportunities that abound.
Kristin Radloff is an outstanding preschool educator who exemplifies all of the important attributes and skills our youngest students need to get a good start in their education. The Colorado Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities is proud to recognize Ms. Kristin Radloff as Teacher of the Year.
Richard D. Hathaway, CLD of the Carolinas Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities
Richard Hathaway has worked in the field of education for thirty-nine years, entering before laws had been enacted to protect and serve students with learning disabilities. Working at that time in a third grade classroom in Ticonderoga, New York, Mr. Hathaway frequently experienced the placement of students with unidentified disabilities in his class. As the only male teacher in third grade, these placements were justified as the students “needing” him. Rather than becoming frustrated and overwhelmed by this challenge, Mr. Hathaway undertook the necessary measures to meet the needs of all of his students and ensure their success. In 1995, Mr. Hathaway relocated with his family to North Carolina. It was there he “officially” began his career working with students with disabilities and, over the next eleven years, served as teacher to students with learning disabilities and severe emotional disorders in a number of educational settings. Since moving to South Carolina in 2006, Mr. Hathaway has worked in a cross-categorical classroom serving students with disabilities at the elementary school level.
The CLD of the Carolinas Chapter is honored to recognize Mr. Hathaway for his impact on students with and without disabilities. He is described as an educator who is enthusiastic about the profession and one who has had a positive impact on his peers, his students and the families with whom he works. Mr. Hathaway is committed to education and continues to update his skills and knowledge to best meet the needs of students with disabilities. The CLD of the Carolinas Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities is proud to recognize Mr. Richard Hathaway as Teacher of the Year.
Cindy Greer, Texas Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities
Cindy Greer has implemented specialized educational support for students with learning disabilities for over 13 years in the Denton Independent School District. She has engaged in self-initiated training on strategies for teaching reading to students at the elementary school level. Additionally, Ms. Greer has designed instructional activities to assist students develop skills for reading success that could be generalized settings outside the classroom. With the onset of Response to Intervention (RTI) in Texas, Ms. Greer has assisted her campus peers with understanding the process, as well as providing them with appropriate resources for implementing RTI in their classrooms. Using Direct Instruction, Ms. Greer customizes or individualizes each student’s program in such a way that acquired skills are maintained over time. Students have achieved success under her instruction, leading to greater motivation, a willingness to explore new possibilities and an appreciation for the learning process. Viewed by colleagues as a student-centered educator who assumes responsibility for her students’ success across settings, Ms. Greer provides input for families that facilitates their ability to assist their children with home assignments. This investment of personal time in students and their families has made a difference to the lives of many children. Additionally, aware that her students faced with challenges may find it difficult to establish friendships, Ms. Greer assists and encourages her students, thus helping them develop confidence to a level where they begin to engage in initiating and establishing friendships with peers. Finally, Ms. Greer has provided a system of support that has led to independence for her students as they moved from elementary to middle school.
Texas Chapter of the Council for Learning Disabilities is proud to have such a dedicated and exemplary individual representing the chapter as Teacher of the Year.
Purpose and Nature of Award
As part of an effort to encourage and recognize quality instruction, each year the Council for Learning Disabilities recognizes Outstanding Teachers in the field of learning disabilities selected by local chapters. Winners receive a certificate presented at the annual International Conference on Learning Disabilities as well as a complimentary conference registration and a stipend.
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.
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