2023 Awards and Stipends
The 2023 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. Nominations accept each year by November 1.
Dr. Terrance M. Scott (center) with Dr. Antonis Katsiyannis (Awards Committee) and colleague Dr. Timothy Landrum.
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.
Terrance Scott, Ph.D., Professor of Special Education, University of Louisville, Kentucky
"In recognition of his outstanding research, leadership in the field, and commitment to colleagues and students to improve the lives of students with emotional and behavioral disorders."
Alexis Walker, Greenville County Schools, Greenville, South Carolina (Right); Dr. Hanna Hirsch, Colleague (right)
Outstanding Advocacy Award
The Midwest Symposium presents this award to an individual who has exhibited outstanding advocacy of students with Emotional or Behavioral Needs.
Alexis Walker, Greenville County Schools, Greenville, South Carolina
"In recognition of her dedication to improving outcomes for students with emotional and behavioral needs by developing meaningful partnerships with educators, families, and community members."
Dr. Tara Kalis, Russell Jones Education Center, Park Hill School District, Kansas City, Missouri, with Mr. James Hogan, 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.
Tara Kalis, Russell Jones Education Center, Park Hill School District, Kansas City, Missouri
"For exemplary leadership to cultivating a culture that promotes the potential in all students, teachers, and staff."
Dr. Howard P. Wills, University of Kansas, Juniper Garden Children's Project, Kansas City, Kansas
Unsung Hero Award
MSLBD is served by many individuals who work in making our organization successful for 41 years and are 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.
Dr. Howard P. Wills, University of Kansas, Juniper Garden Children's Project, Kansas City, 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 student(s) pursuing, or applying to pursue, a Doctoral degree in special education with a program emphasis on behavior disorders or a closely related field.
Alex Carlson, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Commitment to Equity Student Award
Provided to a student enrolled in an initial certification/ licensure program. The awardee should identify as a person of color, be enrolled in an initial certification/licensure program, and have a demonstrated interest in the field of behavior disorders.
Kyndal C. Williams, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Andrew Morton (Center), Willard Public Schools, Missouri, with MSLBD Master Teacher Group Co-chairs Dr. Jessica Nelson (left) and Dr. Felicity Post (right)
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.
2023 Outstanding Award in Poster Presentation
Applying Multi-Tiered Support for Professional Development to Targeted Student Interventions: A Single-Case Design Study
Nicolette Grasley-Boy, Ph.D., BCBA, Juniper Gardens Children's Project, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS; Jackie Viotto, M.Ed and Mark D. Samudre, Ph.D., BCBA, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Intensifying and Individualizing Writing Instruction for Youth with Disabilities in Juvenile Justice Facilities
Olivia Hester, PhD, Sara Sanders, EdD, Kristine Jolivette, PhD, Allyson Pitzel, MA, and Lauren Rollins, PhD, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Losinski Poster Award
Writing [MY] Future: Exploring the Effects of SRSD With Self-Determination for Adolescent Girls with EBD in a Juvenile Justice Facility
Allyson Pitzel, MA, Sara Sanders, EdD, Kristine Jolivette, PhD, Aimee J. Hackney, MS, and Ashley S. Virgin, MS, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
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.
