2024 Awards and Stipends
The 2024 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 are accepted each year by November 1.
2024 Awards Program video.
Dr. Richard Van Acker (center) with Dr. Michael Couvillon and Dr. Antonis Katsiyannis (Awards Committee)
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.
Richard Van Acker, Ed.D., Emeritus Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
"In recognition of his outstanding leadership and research and continuous dedication to improving the lives of children with emotional and behavioral needs."
Teagan L. Stanley, Pine Hills School, Miles City, Montana
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.
Teagan L. Stanley, Pine Hills School Miles City, Montana
"For her dedication to creating a positive and supportive school climate that creates a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for 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. Deborah Griswold, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
"In recognition of her commitment and service to Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, whose mission is to foster leadership that advances equitable education opportunities and outcomes for 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.
Lindsey Mirielli, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Mya Kelley, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
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.
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Stacy Slabaugh, Olathe Public Schools, Kansas
2024 Outstanding Award in Poster Presentation
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A District-Wide Improvement Process Resulting in Reductions in Restraint and Seclusion
Katherine A. Graves, MEd, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Taylor Thorpe, PsyS, BCBA, LBA, Christine Robertson, EdD,
and Leanne Bauer, MEd, Muskegon Public Schools, Muskegon, MI -
Elementary Teacher Usage of Daily Behavior Report Cards with Students with Disabilities
Patrika Brown, EdD, Columbia Public Schools, MO
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Enhancing Student Well-being: Examining the Effectiveness of Recognize. Relax. Record.
Kathleen Lynne Lane, PhD, BCBA-D, CF-L2, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS; Eric A. Common, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, University
of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI; Kantodeia Caeli Schnabel, MSE and Amy Buffington, MSE, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
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.
