The VCLD Newsletter

Vol. 16, No. 2

Spring 2002

President's Letter

Great Teacher Websites

The Inclusive Classroom

President’s Letter

Dear Colleagues:

Our Spring Conference in Charlottesville has come and gone but the memories and the knowledge shared will be beneficial for many a student and teacher! Our Keynote Speaker, Suzanne Robinson, shared a wealth of information about collaboration that you all can access at http://powerof2.org along with some great tips from our Luncheon Speaker Chriss Walther-Thomas who touched on how to treat "Pseudo-Collaboration". Kyle Higgens and Randy Boone presented the latest on electronic books and on-line text while Becky Evers and Rick Riley shared their knowledge on integrating technology into our teaching. Professionals from across the country kept us abreast on national perspectives on disabilities involving issues and policies. These are just the highlights of the two full days of incredible speakers who shared their time and talents with VCLD! Many, many thanks to all who lent our Program Chair and President Elect, Maggie Kyger, a hand! It was awesome! The evaluations indicated the high quality of the session topics, the speakers, the facility, the vendors, the social activities, the registration format and the friendly membership! Don't miss the great pictures on our website at http://www.vcld.org/pages/conf.htm. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Congratulations also goes out to our 2002 VCLD Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Kathy Roseberry! Kathy is a teacher at Dublin Middle School in Pulaski County. She has been a long-standing member of VCLD and has taught for 27 years in the field of elementary and middle school Learning Disabilities. Kathy has been instrumental in promoting inclusive practices within her school and advocates for her students both in and out of the classroom. Kathy will represent the Virginia Council for Learning Disabilities at the CLD National Conference in Denver, Colorado in October 10-12, 2002. Way to go Kathy!

Mark your calendars now and secure the funds to attend next spring's conference at VCU in Richmond on March 8, 2003. It will be a one-day conference focusing on the theme of "Leave No Teacher Behind!" Joe Boyle, the upcoming Conference Chair and Vice President, is taking proposals for speakers, poster sessions and volunteers at jrboyle@saturn.vcu.edu. All these applications are available on our website. Check it out and share your knowledge with others in our field!

With this issue's focus on technology, I just can't help myself from sharing another great website to keep all of us up-to-date. As Professional Liaison Chairman, Lori Korinek, constantly directs us to the DOE website at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/ for breaking information on policies, legislation, procedures, etc. Check this out often!

Take advantage of all the great resources in this newsletter and challenge yourself to learn more about technology and how to integrate it into your daily teaching! Stay motivated through the remainder of the school year, take a deep breath before SOL testing begins and make the most of every opportunity you have!

Pray for Peace,
Helen Barrier
VCLD President