2007 FCEC Winners

Gayle Solis Zavala

Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year

Chapter 200, Palm Beach

Grove Elementary, Belle Glade

Gayle has been a teacher for 23 years. She currently teaches first through sixth grade students identified as educable mentally handicapped. She has successfully developed a “Black Light Theatre” using lighting to illuminate a collection of puppets. Another project is her “ACTion Theatre” using switch-activated puppets. She has collaborated with both English and Spanish general education classes in presenting the puppet shows in both languages.

Gayle has found the use of peer buddies to be rewarding for the students in both the special education classes and the general education classes. The transformation of acceptance and understanding that has occurred through collaboration with both staff and students has been a rewarding accomplishment to her.

Rafael Mendiola

Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year

Chapter 121, Miami

Feinberg Fisher Elementary, Miami

Rafael has been a teacher for 1 year. Prior to entering the field of education, Rafael was a metallurgical engineer. Through volunteering at Biscayne Elementary school he became interested in working with children with Autism. Rafael believes in the immense capacity of the human brain. It is his philosophy to create opportunities to achieve and grow in a nurturing environment, rooted in high expectations and humor, while building self-esteem. In his classroom, students are not mere users of software but creators of their own products to learn and achieve. They produce PowerPoint presentations, use Microsoft Word, Excel, digital cameras and research online. This enables them to overcome their challenges, boost their self-esteem and prepare them for the 21st century.

Dr. Ann I Nevin

Dr. Landis M. Stetler Award

Chapter 121, Miami

Florida International University

Dr. Nevin has been an educator for 29 years. She is current a professor at Florida International University, in Miami. She has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 28 chapters of books, 11 books, 23 ERIC documents and numerous other publications. Through her research, Dr. Nevin has been considered a pioneer in the field of inclusive practices and in leading the field towards a more inclusive environment. Many whom she has mentored in the field of education have called her a “teacher of all teachers.”

FCEC Awards and Recognitions

Chapter Membership Awards:

FCEC provides two chapter membership awards annually. One award is given for the unit that has the largest increase in membership by percentage. One award is given for the unit that has the largest increase by actual number.

President’s Award for Units:

FCEC presents Unit President’s Awards as earned annually. The process for this award takes place during the fiscal year prior to the annual state FCEC Conference when the award is given.

Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year:

FCEC selects a Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year annually who is named at the annual state conference. Information/Nomination forms can be found on the FCEC website

Landis M. Stetler Award:

FCEC annually provides members with the nomination process for the Landis M. Stetler Award. This award is presented at the annual FCEC state conference. Award is designated for individuals who have made a significant contribution to the education of children and youth with exceptionalities.

Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year Award:

FCEC annually selects the Marjorie Crick Teacher of the Year. This award is presented at the annual FCEC state conference. Information/Nomination forms can be found on the FCEC website.

Nancy Givens Instructional Grants:

FCEC annually awards Nancy Givens Instructional Grants. FCEC annually budgets for the Nancy Givens Instructional Grants.

Landis M. Stetler ESE Leadership Scholarship:

A scholarship program established by FL-CASE to award a financial scholarship in the name of Dr. Landis Stetler, a pioneer and great leader in exceptional student education in the state of Florida and the nation. The award will be made annually at the Florida CEC conference, and Florida CEC will maintain the fund for the scholarship. Applicant must be a Florida resident and currently enrolled in a graduate program leading to certification in ESE and/or major in exceptional student education (a focus on administration of exceptional student education will be given special consideration).

Yes I Can! Awards

 The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the leading association for special educators, works to improve the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

 The Yes I Can! Awards honor students with disabilities who excel. These awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; encourage these individuals to seek their highest potential; and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities.

Nominations are made by teachers, principals, related service providers, friends, and parents. Each individual nominated for the Yes I Can! Awards will receive a Certificate of Achievement.