Awards

Outstanding Educator of Students with Autism Award

Rich was a founding member and continuous supporter of the activities of the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders. That organization was founded in 1983 after two successful conferences he helped to create in Kansas. Rich has been a member of the planning committee since that time and frequent contributor to all of its activities. Most recently he was crucial in the creation of a new conference on autism which will be initiated in the October of 2018.

Outstanding Educator of Students with Autism Award

Nomination Form Deadline: August 20
Award Bestowed: October Conference

Award Description: 

The Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders awards a plaque to an individual who has exhibited outstanding achievement and excellence in classroom service to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The recipient will also receive expenses to attend the Simpson Autism Conference in order to receive the award in person. The conference leadership team will select the winner. Nominations will be accepted from recognized professional organizations, parents, and educational staff. The following criteria are used to determine the recipient. Nominations must include a letter explaining how the nominee meets the criteria below. Nominations may also include (1) up to two additional letters of support and/or (2) supportive content such as links to articles, blogs, social media, or etc. demonstrative of the nominee’s leadership in the field of autism.

Award Criteria: The following criteria are used to determine the recipient. Nominations should include documentation. 

  1. Include information on teaching, service, writing, and products that have benefited the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders 
  2. Up to 3 letters of support, including the nomination letter supportive content such as links to articles, blogs, social media, or etcetera   
  3. A vita addressing contributions with an emphasis in the past 5 years (no longer than 5 pages) for the nominee

Requirements for this nomination: 

  • Is currently teaching in a school, clinical, or community-based program that serves students with ASD.
  • Relies on current peer-reviewed information regarding autism and consistently implements evidence-based practices when providing services for students with ASD.
  • Demonstrates the ability to promote student progress and maximizes the potential for desirable outcomes for their students with ASD.
  • Collaborates effectively with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop and maintain positive relationships critical for student success. 
  • Advocates for and/or volunteers time in the service of students with ASD in their school and community