Teacher of the Year Award
Maryland State Unit of the Council for Exceptional Children
Special Education Teacher of the Year
Donna J. Lauerhahs
Maryland CEC is pleased to announce that Donna J. Lauerhahs is the recipient of the 2009 Maryland State Special Education Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Lauerhahs is a graduate of the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Master of Education degrees in both Developmental Handicaps (K-12) and Early Education of the Handicapped. She is currently a Music Special Educator and Infant/Toddler Teacher at the H. Winship Wheatley Early Childhood Center in Prince George’s County. At H. Winship Wheatly, Mr. Lauerhahs is responsible for teaching small and large group music classes for children ages 2-5 with disabilities, delays and multiple handicaps, as well as for children who are typically developing, within a transdisciplinary setting. In addition, she is a home-based infant/toddler teacher who works with children under 3 years of age with developmental delays and their families.
In conjunction with her teaching activities, Ms. Lauerhahs is responsible for teaching staff and parent in-services for music, early literacy, and technology. She is also the H. Winship Wheatley Family Literacy Night Coordinator and the Music in Our Schools Month program developer. Additionally, Mr. Lauerhahs is responsible for organizing large-school events such as Appreciation Week, culminating activities, Parent-Teacher Organization Musical Extravaganzas, and Moving Ahead Ceremonies in a school that services approximately 650 children and 150 staff members.
While Ms. Lauerhahs is extremely dedicated to the students and families with whom she works, she is also committed to the advancement of the teacher profession. Upon earning her certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2007, Ms. Lauerhahs began serving as a Candidate Support Provider to individuals in Prince George’s County who are pursing their own National Board certification. In this role, she is responsible for teaching monthly candidate support session modules and for presenting at teacher recruitment events. Ms. Lauerhahs also plans to pursue National Board certification in the area music in the near future.
According to Julie Orgettas, Principal at the H. Winship Wheatley Early Childhood Center, “it is evident that Donna has a passion and love for music which she demonstrates daily through her teaching. One of Donna’s personal goals is to develop a love and appreciation for music in each and every student. She accomplishes this by making music accessible to all students through the use of technology and augmentative communication devices.” Anne M. Shipps, President of the Prince George’s County Chapter of Maryland CEC comments that “Ms. Lauerhahs’ music lessons teach the language, literacy, and concepts from the curriculum and bring together students, staff, and families to use and enjoy the curriculum. She is a wonderful teacher and unites our school. It is an honor and inspiration to watch her teach.”
Congratulations to Donna J. Lauerhahs for being chosen as the 2009 Maryland State Unit of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Special Education Teacher of the Year and best of luck to Ms. Lauerhahs as her nomination packet is submitted for consideration for the 2010 Clarissa Hug National Teacher of the Year Award.
