http://www.kansascec.

org/

Dear Special Education Service Providers and Administrators,

The Kansas Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is very excited to have the opportunity to recognize educators in the state for the outstanding contributions they do in serving our special needs population, as well as the students who strive to do their very best. On September 13, 2013, in conjunction with the KSHA Annual Conference and ATK EXPO 2013, Kansas CEC will recognize your nominations during a luncheon in the EXPO center. The event will be held at the Topeka Capital Plaza in Topeka.

This will be the 5th Annual Kansas Awards Luncheon where special educators as well as students with special needs through the Yes I Can awards program will be honored. Now is the time to think of an educator or student to nominate and get the process started. Please share this information with your staff.

Special Educator of the Year: Please nominate an educator who currently provides direct services to students with exceptionalities and whose work exemplifies the best in special education teaching. . Yes I Can! This award honors school age children or youth with disabilities who excel in any of the following categories: academics, arts, athletics, school & community activities, self-advocacy, technology or transition.
All nominations will be invited to submit their application to National CEC with the potential to be honored at the International CEC Conference April 9-12, 2014 in Philadelphia, PA. Please find required application information attached for each award. All nominations information due August 26, 2013. For more information, contact Joy Fuqua, Kansas CEC President at kcecawards@gmail.com Please e-mail nominations to: Karin Rasmussen, at kcecawards@gmail.com
Kansas CEC is excited to be collaborating with the Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) and Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) at the 2013 KSHA Conference and ATK Expo, Topeka Capital Plaza, Topeka, Kansas, September 12-14th! We encourage you to visit their web sites as well! KSHA Conference Registration / ATK Expo.

Please e-mail nominations to: Karin Rasmussen, at kcecawards@gmail.com

All nomination information due Augusts 26, 2013.

Special Educator of the Year

Kansas CEC will recognize educators who currently provide direct services to students with exceptionalities and whose work exemplifies the best in special education teaching. His or her work reflects significant, documented educational success for students, continued professional development and the highest standards for educational quality. Nominations for the Kansas recognition may be made by teachers, principals, related service providers, friends, parents or community group. It is suggested the nominee be a current CEC member. These nominees and their information may be forward to National CEC to be considered for the 2013 CEC Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award. The CEC Federation winner will have the opportunity to attend and participate in a special ceremony at CEC 2014 Convention & Expo, April 9-12 in Philadelphia, PA. Please provide the following: First & Last Name of Nominee Street Address City, State, Zip Nominees CEC member # Home phone Work phone Cell phone Nominees e-mail address Nominees Current Job Title and Affiliation Nominees school, district, and grade level assigned to Nominees school address School phone number and fax Principals name and e-mail Nominators name Nominators address Nominators phone # Nominators e-mail address Nominator: How do you know the nominee? Exemplary Practices and Achievements of the Nominee: 1) Describe how your teaching practices or programs result in effective academic/educational instruction and assessment. 2) Describe how your instructional practices are developmentally appropriate and individualized for your students. 3) Describe how you provide a positive learning environment for all your students 4) Describe how your continuing professional development has benefited your instruction and impacted your students. 5) What local activities are you involved in that benefit you and/or your students? 6) Please provide two letters of recommendations. One from a principle/supervisor. The second from the nominee, parent, student, fellow teacher, consultant, paraprofessional or someone knowledgeable to the nominees work and accomplishments.

Please e-mail nominations to: Karin Rasmussen, at kcecawards@gmail.com

All nomination information due August 26, 2013.

Yes, I Can!
The Yes, I Can! Award honors students with exceptionalities. This award celebrates the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities; encourage these individuals to seek their highest potential and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities. The candidate must be 2-21 years of age when nominated. The nominee must have an identified disability. Nominations may be made by teachers, principals, related service providers, friends and parents. It is recommended the information focus on one of the following categories: academics, acts, athletics, school and community activities, self-Advocacy, technology or transition. All nominees will be recognized at the state level and will be encouraged to submit addition information for the 2014 Yes I Can! Awards, with the potential to attend and participate in a special ceremony at CEC 2014 Convention & Expo, April 9-12 in Philadelphia, PA. Please provide the following: First & Last Name of Nominee Street Address City, State, Zip Nominees Birthday Nominees Disability Parent/Guardian name Contact phone # Parent/Guardian e-mail address Nominees school, district, and grade level Nominees school address School phone number and fax Principals name and e-mail Nominators name Nominators address Nominators phone # Nominators e-mail address Nominator: How do you know the nominee? Please answer the following questions about the nominee: 1) Describe the challenges this student encountered prior to his/her current accomplishments: ( e.g. difficulty with reading). 2) Describe the current type of special education services provided to nominee (e.g. general education with special education consultation, inclusion). 3) Describe the students achievements and accomplishments. 4) Describe the impact of the students accomplishment on him or her and others. 5) Describe how the school system or community supported this student.