“The importance of what you are doing is greater than you are”

- Richard Warren

This award, presented at the annual Spring VAISEF Conference, is intended to recognize a staff member that truly is “making a difference” in the lives of young people. The award is open to all Professional and Para-Professional Staff (except teachers, CEOs, presidents, and executive level positions) who work with students with special needs and is employed by a school, which is a member of VAISEF. Directors of schools should nominate someone from their facility who demonstrates a level of excellence and commitment to their children. The staff member must be nominated by their director. Letters of support from parents and students will not be considered in the selection process.

Description (definition) of exceptional services:

· Services made over and above standards of expectations established for the staff position being recognized

· Creative and innovative services that have assisted the organization (school) to far exceed its goals and

objectives for the success of the students

Criteria for exceptional services (choose at least one and no more than three areas):

1. Significant contribution

2. Extended Family Services

3. Exceptional guidance, educational and or life lessons service to children with special needs and their families

4. Innovative cutting edge services to students demonstrated by verifiable results

5. Development of creative ways to reach students with special needs to make a difference in their lives documented by results

6. Investigation and research of new alternatives for developing, counseling, educating students with special needs

7. Mentoring and coaching success strategies that are demonstrated by verifiable results