8th Annual Para-Educator Award

The Para-Educator Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has collaborated significantly with the field of Special Education in the State of Missouri in recognition of exemplary practice of assisting students with disabilities. The recipient must be currently involved in directed or related serves to exceptional students, and shall have demonstrated exemplary performance as an employee of a Missouri school.

Gail Kapka of Columbia

 17th Annual Partner in Education

This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has collaborated significantly with the field of Special Education in the State of Missouri that has demonstrated the ability to make students with disabilities feel welcome, successful and integral parts of their classrooms through curriculum, environmental and/or atmospheric adaptations or modifications, or quality programming integrating and including various students with disabilities into the mainstream.

Buffy Ann Stapleton of Columbia

25th Annual Teacher of the Year Award

On January 12, 1985, the Federation Board of Directors established the Missouri Special Education Teacher of the Year Award.  The recipient will become Missouri’s nominee for the CEC Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award.

Sally Bloom of Columbia

4th Annual Friend in Education Award

This award was established in 2007 to be presented to an outstanding corporate business individual or group who has demonstrated dedication in the field of special education in the state of Missouri. This award is given to one business individual or group for exemplary contribution and support of students with disabilities.

Pam Widener of Rolla

39th Annual Joan Davis Award

Joan Davis was a student with a multi-handicap at Avila College preparing for a career in special education.  Because she personified the ideals promoted by the Council for Exceptional Children, the Missouri Federation Board of Directors established this award in 1973. This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has contributed significantly to the field of Special Education in the State of Missouri.

Steven Beldin of Kansas City

Yes I Can! Award

Established by the Foundation for Exceptional Children to acknowledge the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to overcome barriers caused by public misconceptions; to encourage children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential, to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities; and to recognize individuals for their accomplishments in the following nine categories: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Community Service, Employment, Extracurricular Activities, Independent Living Skills, Self-Advocacy and Technology.

Ellaun Williams of Marshfield/St. Louis

41th Annual Richard S. and Nelle Dabney Merit Award

This award was started in 1971 through the efforts of Richard S. Dabney, a past Missouri Director of Special Education, to recognize and encourage those who will shape the future of special education. Nelle Dabney served as the Director of Special Education in Kansas City, MO.  The Missouri Federation Board of Directors has named this award in their honor.

Nominees:

Emily Milligan, Lindenwood University

Alan Reed, Northwest Missouri State

Meredith Shanks, University of Missouri

Erin Wilson, Missouri Sta