2021-2022 Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award

This award is being offered in the memory of Diana McLendon who lost her battle with Leukemia in December 2019. Diana was the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program Coordinator for the Department of Education, and the liaison for the statewide Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) centers, Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA), and Autism Navigator. FSU CARD is proud to set up this memorial award to honor our colleague Diana on behalf of all seven CARD centers around the state. We are presenting this award to honor Diana and her passion for students with ASD. During Diana’s first year of teaching students with autism, she won the prestigious Florida Council of Exceptional Children Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year award in 2008. The ideal candidate would possess many of the characteristics and qualities that Diana had in her professional career. Diana was an individual that demonstrated a positive attitude and faced each day with extreme energy. She was highly motivated and approached the ASD world with a kind and genuine heart. Diana approached teaching students with ASD with an open mind and lived by the motto “No child is left behind.” In the classroom you could see her passion and dedication as she interacted and taught her ASD students. Diana was innovative, finding new techniques and strategies to improve teaching her in classroom. As an ASD Program Coordinator, Diana was committed to improving the lives of ASD children throughout Florida. In her role as liaison she helped manage discretionary projects such as CARD, PEPSA, and Autism Navigator. Diana provided critical technical assistance and worked professionally with many of her statewide ASD contacts and school districts. She had solid leadership qualities that enabled her to work as a team player. Diana considered working as an ASD educator and coordinator a privilege. Her family and colleagues want to continue to honor Diana and live out her legacy. As an applicant, tell us about yourself and how you feel you best portray similar characteristics that are recognized by Diana McLendon’s family and colleagues. Requirements for the Award: Must be an educator teaching in Florida -- Any grade level Must have at least one student with ASD in the 2021-2022 school year Must have contact with regional CARD center Complete online application below: Upload Curriculum Vita/Resume Upload two letters of recommendation (professional, family of student) Application Deadline: November 12, 2021 Award Amount: $500 Winner(s) will be notified by 01/06/2022.

Demographic Information

Name*

Email*

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Phone Number*

County Where You Teach in Florida*

Name of School Where you Teach*

How Many Years Teaching*

How many years have you taught ?

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What Type of Classroom?*

Explain the classroom/school environment where you teach. For example, ESE classroom, General Education Classroom, ESE Consultant working with other teachers, etc.

How Many Students with ASD?*

How many students with autism are in your class or under your supervision in the 2021-2022 school year?

What CARD Center Covers Your Area?*

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Name of CARD Consultant/Point of Contact

Name of your Administrator*

Email of Administrator*

Phone of Administrator*

Application Questions

Q1: Greatest Accomplishment*

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment and contribution to education?

Q2: Teaching Philosophy*

What is your philosophy of teaching?

Q3: Most Innovative Technique/Strategy*

What do you consider your most innovative teaching techniques/strategies?

Q4: How Would You Use the Funds?*

If you won the $500 award, how would you use the funds within your classroom or for your students?

Uploads

1. Please upload your current Vita, which includes the following: Degrees, additional credits earned, names of institutions, major subject and years/dates. Previous positions (include school, location and dates of service) Educational and civic service as appropriate ( include membership, offices held, honors attained in educational, civic, community, philanthropic, religious, etc.) Publications 2. Please upload TWO Letters of Recommendation -- one from a colleague or fellow educator one from a family member of a student you currently teach or have taught in the past. Check the boxes after you upload both.

File Upload*

Upload your 3 files (Vita and 2 letters of recommendation) here in this box.

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Resume

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2 Letters of Recommendation

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