Award Winners

FCEC 2011 Annual State Conference

 Jana Hill

2011 FCEC Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year

Kenneth Campbell

The 2011 Prestigious Landis M. Stetler Award

 Brian Singler

2011 FCEC Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year

2011 FCEC Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year Winner!

Congratulations to Jana Hill !!

Jana Hill, Pinellas County, who has been teaching for nine years, organized a community-based instruction program for students with supported and independent varying exceptionalities at the middle school where she works.  The past president of the local chapter and district behavioral specialist both said, “Jana exemplifies the qualities we look for in an effective teacher of students with exceptional needs.”  In addition, during observation, “differentiated instruction was expertly used in a lesson about Shakespeare’s Macbeth, … Jana adapted the lesson so each student could read.  In fact, Jana works hard to adapt books so every student can read.”  Her middle school principal said, “Jana is very dedicated to furthering the life aspirations of exceptional students by being a sponsor of the Special Olympics program.”  

2011 FCEC Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year Finalists

Each of these nominees consistently referred to the students, as “my children,” and every statement they made centered on the child—definitely child-focused teachers.  What they do, day-to-day goes far and above expectations.  Each one deserves the highest commendation.

Elizabeth Lewis, nominated by the Sarasota Sunset Chapter #296, has 18 years of teaching experience.  Of Elizabeth’s talents, the district ESE supervisor said, “she thinks outside of the box and always finds a way to follow the vision.”  Elizabeth developed a transition program for the high school students called Academy for Community Transition and piloted the program in a six-week summer transition opportunity for more than 20 students. A parent of a student in her program said, “I still remember how intently she listened, took notes, asked more questions, and most of all, she never discounted a word we said.  Ms. Lewis reassured us that our son was going to do well.  She was right.”  

Jodi W. Joseph, nominated by the Alachua County Gatorland Chapter 1024, has 31 years of teaching experience.  The assistant principal at the middle school where she serves as a behavior resource teacher said, “in addition to assisting faculty and staff, Jodi has an uncanny knack for building students’ self-confidence as well as academic skills.” The principal said, “Jodi is a master teacher with years of experience who displays the enthusiasm and positive attitude of a first year teacher.”   Jodi has served as a behavior resource teacher, staffing specialist, and department chair, and the principal said, “the heart and soul of Jodi keeps bringing her back to the classroom, to the benefit of our school and students.” 

Virginia G. White, nominated by the Bay County Chapter #243, has 27 years of teaching experience, having been in many different locations as she followed a military spouse.  Virginia’s principal said, “Virginia is simply the best reading teacher that I have ever seen in action”  A retired elementary principal said, “While I was very fortunate to have some excellent teachers of ESE students, Virginia stood above all the others in patience and insight into both the big and small picture for the students of the school. She was and is a gem.”  A parent of a child in Virginia’s class said, “My family has been blessed to have Ms. White work with our youngest son throughout his elementary years.” 

The 2011 Prestigious Landis M. Stetler Award Winners!

Congratulations to Kenneth U. Campbell!

Kenneth Campbell—nominated by the CCBD Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Ken has been in the field of education for over 40 years.  He has served the continuum from four-year olds to adults, as an event organizer, a counselor, and a teacher. Dr. Guetzloe said of Ken, “we rarely find a person who is so prominent in CEC endeavors who also ‘puts his money where his mouth is.’ …. His contributions used as scholarships for teachers.” Additionally, Dr. Guetzloe said, “Ken exhibits dynamic leadership in his dedicated and intense advocacy for children and youth.” Ken has presented nationally and internationally, he has authored and co-authored numerous studies and articles.  “Ken developed and published the Great Leaps program used throughout Florida in all 67 counties,” added Suncoast Chapter 176 president.  Ken has too many accolades and honors to list.  Ken most definitely meets all criteria for this award.

2011 FCEC Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year Winner!

Congratulations to Brian Singler !

The recipient of the Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year is Brian Singler from Pinellas county who is a first-year teacher serving students with intellectual disabilities at an elementary school.  The Pinellas Suncoast Chapter #176 president said that Brian has “demonstrated an innovative spirit as he created a marvelous picture schedule using Boardmaker.”  Brian very carefully prepares class members for new situations by using social stories that he has created. Brian said that his greatest accomplishment was watching his students confidently smile, knowing they are loved and appreciated for their individual gifts. Brian is an active member of the Pinellas County Suncoast Chapter 176, serving on the auction and spring banquet committees. 

2011 FCEC Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year Finalists

Valerie Jateff, nominated by the Bay County chapter, is a third-year teacher teaching in a classroom of students with varying exceptionalities.  The principal of the elementary school where Valerie teaches said, “Valerie’s classroom is a model of what good teaching should be about.” The paraprofessional who assists in Valerie’s classroom said of the children, “when they enter into Ms. Jateff’s classroom, labels are forgotten: she sees a child capable of learning, loving and achieving more than the label makers who preceded her ever dreamed possible.”  

Jillian Pedriero, nominated by the Gatorland Chapter #1024 is a first-year teacher.  The principal at the middle school where Jillian teaches said, “Jillian has new ideas and boundless energy for making a difference in her students’ lives.” Jillian met the behavioral challenges that occur in a middle school self-contained class setting and managed to obtain high academic performance for the students.  A fellow CEC member said of Jillian, “she has enthusiasm for all aspects of teaching and a ‘know how’ that is rare in a beginning new teacher.”

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and /or gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.