 |
CANDIDATES FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE, CLASSROOM RANKS,
2009–2011
Iris S. Drower
Iris Kerbis Puccini
 IRIS S. DROWER
Special Educator
Phoenix Union High School District, Phoenix, AZ
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Education:
Doctor’s Degree, International Special Education, Loughborough
University, England
Master’s Degree, International Adult Education, Arizona State
University
Bachelor’s Degree, Elementary/Special Education, Northern Illinois
University
Major Career Experience and Achievements:
| 2002–present |
Special Educator/Reading Specialist,
Phoenix Union High School; Faculty, Professional Field Experiences
and Elementary Education, Arizona State |
| 2000–2002 |
Social Service Agency/Juvenile Corrections
Facilities; Director of Special Education/Pupil
Personnel |
| 1999–2002 |
AP/Special Needs Teacher Trainer/Mentor
Teacher Coordinator |
| 1994–1998 |
Directed TOPS, the only district-wide
program in Arizona
|
| 1984–1990 |
Member of Phoenix Sister City Commission
for China and Disabled |
| 1980–1998 |
Coordinated young adult instruction/driver
education/mobility throughout five sites, designed curriculum and
in-services |
| 1976–1979 |
Managed instruction, behavior
modification, and training of youths from an inter-city environment to
achieve job-training skills and gainful employment (Chicago) |
| 1976–present |
Created/facilitated curriculum; adult
learner, domestically and internationally. Published, presented
technical/educational articles.
|
| 1972–present |
Special Olympics, Speakers Bureau, Raising
Arizona Kids, Channel 12 news team, UNA, Down Syndrome Association, and
PDK officer |
CEC Leadership History:
Length of CEC Membership: 36 years
CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major
Achievements:
-
Division for International Special Education Services (DISES):
Newsletter Editor, Intern Editor of International Journal, Journal
Reviewer, Member of Several DISES Committees,
1999–present
-
Nominations Committee, Awards Committee, PAN, Reviewer, involved
with ASU student chapter, 1990–1998
-
Newsletter Editor, Membership Chair, Secretary, Arizona Unit,
1980–1989
-
Committee member, event and delegate chair, Chicago Chapter,
1976–1979
-
Governor, Membership Chair, Editorial Board. PAN Representative,
and Advisory Work Groups, Student CEC chapter at Northern Illinois
University, 1972–1976
Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer
Activities:
-
Expanded international student teaching programs, University of
Monterey, Mexico, XEN (YWCA in Greece)
-
Fulbright Senior Specialist Candidate 2007
Candidate Statements:
Leadership. I have worked with a variety of individuals,
groups, and organizations in order to foster collaboration, alliances,
and partnerships as key components of my collaborative leadership style.
I have learned from my experiences as a student, educator, researcher,
and life-long learner to balance both interpersonal and
inter-institutional relationships. I would lead through building,
nurturing, empowering, and sustaining a commitment toward each member
and the organization in order to meet the needs of all educators,
educational leaders, parents, community members, and individuals with
disabilities.
Diversity. The qualities of communication, respect,
and wisdom are essential to changing organizations and infrastructures
in ways that ensure economic viability while respecting the need for
human fulfillment. CEC must support and strengthen the contribution of
cultural diversity to sustainable development through leadership;
recruitment and open dialogue of more international/diverse members;
integration of diversity in policy, programs, and professional
development; resources via programs/activities; and partnerships within
local, state, national, and international communities. I am committed to
diversity and echo its importance and benefits at every organizational
level.
Goals for CEC and the Field. Capacity
building: Provide a platform for intellectual and thought
leadership for educational innovation and reform. Laboratory of
ideas: Anticipate and respond to emerging trends and needs in
education and develop education policy recommendations based on research
evidence. International catalyst: Initiate/promote
dialogue and exchange of information among educational leaders,
educators, and CEC members from across the world.
 IRIS KERBIS PUCCINI
Special Education Teacher
Niles North High School
Skokie, IL
Education:
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction
M.Ed., Educational Leadership
B.S.Ed., Special Education and Elementary Education
Major Career Experience and Achievements:
| 1986–present |
Special Education Teacher (secondary
level, all exceptionalities) |
| 2000–2002 |
Special Education Coordinator |
| 1973–1976 |
Special Recreation Camp
Director |
| 1976 |
"Head Teacher," students with severe and
profound mental retardation |
| 1975–1976 |
Special Education Teacher, severe and
profound mental retardation |
| 1973–1975 |
Special Education Teacher |
CEC Leadership History:
Length of CEC Membership: 39 years
CEC Leadership Positions Held and Major
Achievements:
- CEC Committees: Credentials and Elections, Knowledge and Skills
Subcommittee
- CEC Annual Conventions: Chicago, 1987, Co-Chair of Publicity and
Special Events; Washington, DC, 1984, Congressional Reception Committee;
Chicago, 1976, Co-Chair of Minority Affairs
- CEC Division on Developmental Disabilities: Member at Large (two
terms), Chair of Awards, MRDD International Conference Local
Arrangements, Professional Standards
- Illinois CEC President, Regional Director, IDDD Liaison
- CEC North Suburban Chapter 57 President, Treasurer, Secretary
- Illinois DDD: President, Conference Chair
- Co-author with T.E.C. Smith of “Secondary Curricular and
Policy Issues for Students with Mental Retardation,” MRDD
Journal
Other Relevant Professional and Volunteer
Activities:
- First edition of What Every Special Educator Must Know (the
“Red Book”)
- INTASC development of "Model Standards for Licensing General and
Special Education Teachers”
- Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) "Blue Ribbon" Task Force
regarding certification of special education teachers, “Special
Education General Curriculum Teacher Certification Test”
committees, Comprehensive System of Professional Development
- Established CEC High School Clubs in Illinois
- CEC H.S. Club basketball coach (1990–present)
Candidate Statements:
Leadership. As an active member of CEC for 39 years, I
have learned that great leaders lead by example. It is not what they
say, but rather what they've accomplished. Given a task, I will
accomplish it with the utmost precision. I have grown up in CEC and look
at this remarkable organization as a part of my family, something to be
proud of and to support.
Diversity. I teach at a school where 51 different
languages are spoken in the homes of our students. We provide an
atmosphere in which everyone feels respected, supported, safe, and
comfortable. I am proud to teach in a school that cherishes all its
students and families regardless of culture, ethnicity, or disability. I
hope that I will have the opportunity to share some of our successful
activities with future convention planning committees so that CEC can
continue to find ways of celebrating our differences . . . and
cherishing them!
Goals for CEC and the Field. Students with
exceptionalities will always need highly qualified, caring teachers to
provide them with curriculums that are commensurate with their cognitive
abilities. CEC needs to continue to protect the educational rights of
these children and young adults by helping to create and/or preserve the
laws that guarantee them a free, appropriate education. CEC also needs
to continue to support teachers by providing them with continual
professional development and access to the latest educational
research.
|
