The 2019 Blind Educator of the Year Award
A number of years ago the Blind Educator of the Year Award was
established by the National Organization of Blind Educators (the educators
division of the National Federation of the Blind) to pay tribute to a blind
teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service,
and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition. Beginning
with the 1991 presentation, this award became an honor bestowed by our
entire movement. The change reflects our recognition of the importance of
good teaching and the affect an outstanding blind teacher has on students,
faculty, community, and all blind Americans.
This award is presented in the spirit of the outstanding
educators who founded and have continued to nurture the National Federation
of the Blind and who, by example, have imparted knowledge of our strengths
to us and raised our expectations. We have learned from Dr. Jacobus
tenBroek, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, Dr. Marc Maurer, and our current president
Mark Riccobono that a teacher not only provides a student with information
but also provides guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind
Educator of the Year Award must exhibit all of these traits and must advance
the cause of blind people in the spirit and philosophy of the National
Federation of the Blind.
The Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the annual convention
of the National Federation of the Blind. Honorees must be present to receive
an appropriately inscribed plaque and a check for $1,000.
Nominations should be sent to Dr. Edward Bell, director, PDRIB,
by email at ebell at latech.edu, or by mail to PDRIB, Louisiana Tech
University, PO Box 3158, Ruston, LA 71272. Letters of nomination must be
accompanied by a copy of the nominee?s current r?sum? and supporting
documentation of community and Federation activity. All nomination materials
must be in the hands of the committee chairman by May 1, 2019, to be
considered for this year?s award. For further information contact Edward
Bell at (318) 257-4554, or ebell at latech.edu.
Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director,
Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness
Louisiana Tech University
600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall
PO Box 3158
Ruston LA 71272
Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259