Future Reflections Winter/Spring 2000, Vol. 19 No. 1
Editor�s Note: Sharon Maneki is President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. She also chairs the committee to select the Distinguished Educator of Blind Children for 2000.
The National Federation of the Blind will recognize an
outstanding teacher of blind children at our 2000 convention July 2 to July 8,
in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner of this award will receive an expense-paid trip
to the convention, a check for $500, an appropriate plaque, and an opportunity
to make a presentation about the education of blind children to the National
Organization of Parents of Blind Children early in the convention.
Anyone who is currently teaching or counseling blind
students or administering a program for blind children is eligible to receive
this award. It is not necessary to be a member of the National Federation of
the Blind to apply. However, the winner must attend the National Convention.
Colleagues, supervisors, or friends may nominate teachers or other eligible
individuals. The letter of nomination should explain why the teacher is being
recommended for this award.
The education of blind children is one of our most
important concerns. Attendance at a National Federation of the Blind convention
will enrich a teacher�s experience by affording him or her the opportunity to
meet other teachers who work with blind children, to meet parents, and to meet
blind adults who have had experiences in a variety of educational programs.
Help us recognize a distinguished teacher by distributing this form and
encouraging teachers to submit their credentials. We are pleased to offer this
award and look forward to applications from many well-qualified educators.���������������������������������������������������������
Please complete the application on the next page and
attach the following:
* a letter of nomination from someone (parent,
co-worker, supervisor, etc.) who knows your work,
* a letter of recommendation from someone who knows
you professionally and knows your philosophy of teaching,
* and a letter from you discussing your beliefs and
approach to teaching blind students. In your letter you may wish to discuss
topics like the following:
What are your views about when and how students should
use Braille, large print, tape recordings, readers, and magnification devices?
How do you decide whether a child should use print, Braille, or both? When do
you recommend that your students begin the following: reading Braille, writing
with a slate and stylus, using a Braille writer, learning to travel
independently with a white cane, using computers, and/or using electronic
note-takers? How should one determine which students should learn cane travel
and which should not? When should keyboarding be introduced, and when should a
child be expected� independently to hand
in print assignments?
National
Federation of the Blind��� Distinguished
Educator��� of Blind Children Award��� 2000 Application
Name:
Home address:
City:��������������������������� State:���������� Zip:
Phone: (H)���������������������� (W)�
School:
Address:
City:���������������������������� State:���������� Zip:
Use a separate sheet of paper and answer the
following:
* List your degrees, the institutions from which they
were received, and your major area or areas of study.
* How long and in what programs have you worked with
blind children?
* In what setting do you currently work?
* Briefly describe your current job and teaching
responsibilities.
* Describe your current caseload, i.e. number of
students, ages, multiple disabilities, number of Braille reading students, etc.
Attach the three required letters to this application
and send all material by May 15, 2000, to Sharon
Maneki, Chairwoman, Teacher Award Committee, 5843 Blue Sky Street, Elkridge,
Maryland 21075; (410) 379-6130.