Outstanding Educator of the Year Award Winners

Outstanding Educator-of-the-Year Awards are designed to recognize outstanding professionals who serve students with specific learning disabilities. Nominees may be special educators, general educators, administrators, or other educators who have spent at least 5 years serving students with learning disabilities at any grade level. The award consists of: (a) a $200 stipend, (b) a free registration to the DLD National Conference for the year they are receiving the award OR the following year, and (c) a commemorative plaque. Nomination and three letters of support are due August 30th annually.

• Tyson Schoeber: 2010 Outstanding Educator Award Recipient

  
  

  Tyson Schoeber, a teacher of students with learning disabilities in the Thrive program at Nootka Elementary in Vancouver, Canada, received DLD's Outstanding Educator Award in October of 2010 in Baltimore (MD, US) at DLD's conference, "Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice." Professor Linda Siegel nominated Mr. Schroeber for the award and her nomination was supported by enthusiastic letters of parents, a classroom volunteer, and his school principal.

  The nominating materials cited Mr. Schoeber's understanding of individual differences, commitment to fostering students’ strengths, efforts to help them improve in their areas of need, and dedication to promoting their self-esteem. His THRIVE program incorporates individualization, technology, Orton-Gillingham methods, and more.

  In notifying him of the award, Kristen McMaster, chair of the Professional Development Standards and Ethics Committee, which oversees the award, wrote, "Mr. Schoeber's efforts exemplify the characteristics of outstanding educators that this award seeks to recognize. The award committee was especially impressed with your use of evidence-based practices and technology to not only improve students’ academic performance, but also to engage them in learning, foster their creativity, and celebrate their accomplishments."

  A parent who wrote a letter of support for his nomination stated, "Not only has he succeeded in helping our daughter make great academic progress but—and perhaps most importantly—he restored our daughter’s self-esteem and understanding of her special learning needs. Mr. Schoeber understands dyslexia and is a caring and empathic teacher and leader, who truly believes in the potential our kids hold waiting to be unleashed."

  Learn more about the THRIVE program. 

• Steve Wheless: 2009 DLD Outstanding Educator of the Year

  Steve Wheless
  COOK Education Center
  San Diego, CA 92108

   

  

  Steve Wheless is recognized for his commitment to providing students with disabilities with effective instruction and positive educational experiences, as well as his leadership and overall professionalism as a teacher and mentor at the COOK Education Center. His nomination letter, submitted by Carol Nielson (Program Coordinator), stated that, “Steve takes action to promote excellence in serving students with Specific Learning Disabilities. He is a hands-on problem-solver, and both students and staff members consult with Steve when they need guidance. He takes initiative to be where he is needed.”