Huntley 158’s Kateri Gullifor has been named 2019 Teacher of the Year by the Braille Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss.
Gullifor has been a vision itinerant with Huntley 158 since 2013. In her role, she works with students across all grade levels who have visual impairments.
“Kateri is very well deserving of this honor,” said Peter A. Mindnich, president of the Braille Institute. “She takes the time to understand her students individually and customizes instruction to fit their specific needs. She works tirelessly, showing love and dedication to her students, who thrive under her guidance.”
Gullifor was drawn to the teaching profession from an early age. While in seventh grade she was paired with a blind preschooler as part of a student mentor program called Little Angels. She became close with the student’s family over the years, and it had a tremendous impact on her. But it was only years later during a major showcase at Illinois State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education, that she recognized her true calling.
“While walking through the event, I came across the booth for special education, and a lightbulb went off. At that moment, I completely connected the dots between my longtime desire to become a teacher and the experience with my Little Angel. I said to myself, ‘Of course! This is exactly what I’m supposed to do!'”
Every year, Braille Institute recognizes Teachers of the Visually Impaired for their hard work, dedication, and innovation. The Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction award is an opportunity for all Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) to be recognized on a national level for the amazing work they do with students who are blind or visually impaired.
Any Teacher of the Visually Impaired in the US or Canada can be nominated by peers, students, or others. The Teacher of the Year is selected by The Braille Challenge National Advisory Committee!
For more information, contact Matthew Beckwith at [email protected] or (323) 663-1111, Ext. 121.
Read more at https://www.brailleinstitute.org/braille-challenge/teacher-of-the-year.
