Monday, April 5, 2010

Chappel Named National Teacher of the Year


Cyndi Chappel, a classroom teacher in the Learning and Early Assessment for Preschoolers (LEAP) Program at Mason Creek Elementary School, has been named the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2010 Clarissa Hug National Teacher of the Year. CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. This award honors a CEC member who currently provides direct services to students with exceptionalities and whose work exemplifies the best in special education teaching.


She began her career in 1990 and has been teaching in the LEAP Program since 2002. LEAP serves children with significant developmental delays from ages three through five.


Ms. Chappel states, "I believe early intervention for children with delays makes a huge impact. Collaboration between home and school is necessary for effective growth. The parents are the expert on the child. The staff members are the experts on effective strategies for learning. Technology enhances learning activities and communication. Digital pictures, photo stories, and simple presentations allow repeated exposure to vocabulary."


We congratulate Ms. Chappel on this honor. She will receive her award at the annual Council for Exceptional Children in Nashville, Tennessee in April.


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