Awards & Stipends

2019 Awards & Stipends

2020 Awards & Stipends

2020 Awards and Stipends

The 2020 awards ceremony of the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders (MSLBD) recognized current and future leaders in our field. We welcomed one new member to the MSLBD Master Teacher group. Review award criteria here. 

Outstanding Leadership Award: Dr. Sheldon Braaten, Executive Director, Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents, with his wife Barbara Braaten

The Outstanding Leadership Award
The Midwest Symposium presents this award to an individual who has exhibited outstanding service and leadership to the field of behavior disorders on a national level.

Sheldon L. Braaten, Ph.D., Executive Director, Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents, Little Canada, Minnesota

"In recognition of his commitment to assist professionals, advocacy, mentorship, support, and creative leadership to improve the lives of young individuals with emotional and behavioral challenges."

Outstanding Building Leadership Award: Karen Hile, Buckner Elementary, Fort Osage R-1 School District, Independence, Missouri,
with Dr. Lisa Robbins, Awards Committee Member.

Outstanding Building Leadership Award

The Midwest Symposium presents this award to an individual who has exhibited outstanding achievement and excellence as a building or program administrator serving students with behavioral needs.

Karen Hile, Buckner Elementary, Fort Osage R-1 School District, Independence, Missouri

"For creating a school environment where students grow into stronger, kinder, and more respectful individuals."

Unsung Hero Award: Dr. James Teagarden, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, pictured with his daughter and son-in-law Michelle & Ryan Budreau

Unsung Hero Award

MSLBD is served by many individuals who work in making our organization successful for 38 years and considered by many as a leader in meeting the needs of educators and others serving youth with significant behavioral or mental health needs. This award recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the success of MSLBD but may not have been recognized for these contributions.

James Teagarden, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas

"In recognition of his commitment and service to Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, whose mission is to improve the lives of children and youth with emotional and behavioral challenges."

Doctoral Stipend Award 

Provided to students pursuing, or applying to pursue, a Doctoral degree in special education with a program emphasis on behavior disorders or a closely related field.

Simone E. Adams, Clemson University, Clemson South Carolina
Nicolette M. Grasley-Boy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

  • Simone E. Adams
    Simone E. Adams

    Doctoral Degree Stipend: Simone E. Adams, Clemson University with advisor Dr. Antonis Katsiyannis

  • Nicolette M. Grasley-Boy
    Nicolette M. Grasley-Boy

    Doctoral Degree Stipend: Nicolette Grasley-Boy, University of Florida, with advisor Dr. Nicholas Gage

Introduction of the newest Master Teacher, Anne Baptiste (left), ESU 7, Columbus, Nebraska and Dr. Felicity Post (right), co-chair, MSLBD Master Teacher Group

MSLBD Master Teacher Group

The Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Master Teachers are a group of experienced professional educators committed to bridging the "research to practice gap" by promoting the use of evidence-based practices in their work directly with students who exhibited behavioral challenges in public schools. Founded in 2006, the master teacher group provides a strand of practical, "what to do on Monday" presentations at the annual MSLBD symposium every February and contributes tips and tools on this website to help teachers in their daily practice. 

  • Anne Baptiste, Educational Service Unit 7, Columbus, Nebraska

2020 Outstanding Award in Poster Presentation

  • Author, Simone E. Adams with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan
    Author, Simone E. Adams with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan

    Impact of Self-Regulated Strategy Development on Expository Writing Performance and Self-Efficacy of Secondary Students with or at-risk of EBD

  • Authors Nicolette M. Grasley-Boy & Nicholas A. Gage (not pictured) with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan
    Authors Nicolette M. Grasley-Boy & Nicholas A. Gage (not pictured) with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan

    The Impact of SWPBIS on Disciplinary Exclusions in California

  • Authors Jenee Vickers Johnson & Jason Travers (not pictured) with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan
    Authors Jenee Vickers Johnson & Jason Travers (not pictured) with Poster Committee Co-Chair, James Hogan

    Intensive Toilet Training for Public School Teachers

Get Involved

The Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders recognizes individuals for the following awards. Review the criteria and nomination forms for these awards, here.