Three Nebraska City staff members at the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired recently received national recognition for their work with children.
Sally Giittinger, administrator of the Center, received the national Council of Schools for the Blind's William English Leadership Award. The award recognizes the leadership of a school for the blind administrator or superintendent each year.
"Sally continues to be an outstanding leader for us in the field of blindness and visual disabilities. She is responsible for providing quality services through the Center to students needing a residential program as well as supporting school districts serving children with vision disabilities," said Gary Sherman, state administrator for special education services.
"Through her leadership, the collaborative arrangement among Educational Service Unit #4, school districts, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Department of Education has been quite successful and beneficial for our children, service providers and families in Nebraska. This national recognition is well deserved."
Tim Lockwood, Nebraska teacher of the visually impaired, was named the Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind/Visually Impaired. That award was sponsored by the national Council of Schools for the Blind and Principals of Schools for the Blind.
"Mr. Lockwood connects with our kids and brings out musical performances from those who some don't expect to perform," said Giittinger. "He's known to step up to the plate, put in extra time and talent and whatever is necessary to teach our students and enrich their lives."
Liz Schomerus, Nebraska teacher of the visually impaired, was recognized by the American Printing House for the Blind as an APH Scholar and invited to attend the annual meeting to review new products and provide input. As an APH Scholar, Schomerus toured the American Printing House for the Blind to view the operations of curriculum and materials production.
Giittinger said Schomerus was unanimously selected as an APH Scholar. "She is very dedicated to her profession and has even field tested a variety of educational materials in her classroom for APH so they can receive input before producing materials for students nationwide."
The Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired continues to be recognized nationally for their outstanding work and their dedication to students on our campus as well as students statewide, Giittinger said. "I am so proud of the staff at NCECBVI."
