1/23/2023

[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] LDA honored teacher Warren Schoepfer with the Samuel Kirk Educator of the Year Award for his outstanding work with students. The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Kirk, a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities, and is given annually to an outstanding educator who has made significant contributions to the field of learning disabilities. 

Schoepfer is a certified special education teacher at Benway School in Wayne, New Jersey, a private, state-approved special education school serving students grades 1-12 with social/emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges that make it difficult for them to succeed in their district school. 

Schoepfer works with students with learning disabilities, mental health issues, behavioral struggles, and high absenteeism. His innovative teaching prepares these students for bright futures by establishing executive function, self-regulation, and employability skills, while holding high expectations for all students. 

“Mr. Warren is one of those teachers you come across once in a great while.” Elizabeth Alves, a colleague of Schoepfer, said, “He is popular with students, families, and colleagues. He develops his programming based on the needs and interests of his students with laser focus.”

Schoepfer is well-known for building a growth mindset and character in his students, and for inspiring mutual respect within the classroom. 

One student shared, “He is always teaching me how to fight my battles without disrespect. He believes I can be so much more than what I am.”

Schoepfer also created a hands-on STEM program that gets students excited to learn, and an Everyday Law class that educates students with specific learning disabilities or complex trauma to enable them make informed decisions. These innovative programs have inspired and empowered hundreds of students, including those with a higher risk of dropping out and being incarcerated. 

Schoepfer attributes listening to his students as the key to his teaching success. 

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been chosen as the Sam Kirk Award recipient for 2023,” Schoepfer said. “Teaching isn’t just about the lesson. It’s about becoming a better listener. By listening to what my students have to say, it enables me to have a greater understanding of their needs.”

Schoepfer will be presented with the Sam Kirk Educator of the Year Award at LDA’s 60th Annual International Conference in Las Vegas. 

LDA is a national, member-based, nonprofit organization committed to advancing opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy.

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LDA HONORS LEARNING DISABILITY ADVOCATE  

[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] The Learning Disabilities Association of America’s (LDA) presented the 2023 Harrison Sylvester Award to Denise Brodey, a learning disabilities advocate and journalist. The award recognizes an adult with learning disabilities who has shown a strong dedication and commitment to supporting  adults with learning disabilities. 

“Denise Brodey is a passionate journalist with a candid and clear-eyed view of being ADHD and dyslexic as an adult in the workplace…We are excited to select her for this award,” LDA Adult Topic Committee Chair Joan Teach said.  

Brodey is the founder of Rebel Talent, an organization that provides support to individuals with ADHD and/or learning disabilities that are struggling in the workplace. Brodey has helped thousands to get jobs, ask for accommodations, and thrive. Brodey is also an author, keynote speaker, and senior contributor to Forbes, where she focuses on writing about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and works to destigmatize neurodivergence through the lens of lived experience. Brodey is also a regular contributor to Remedy Health Media.

“I am incredibly grateful for this recognition. As a woman with learning disabilities who is also ADHD, I know how difficult it is to explain how people like me experience work and life,” Brodey said. “My job as a business journalist, and now as a business consultant, is to make invisible disabilities visible. I try to do it with humor and compassion and positivity—and of course, facts—because that’s what the workplace needs now. I love every minute of it, but most of all, I love hearing that I have made an impact and allowed people to do their best work.”

Brodey will be presented with the LDA Award at LDA’s 60th Annual International Conference in February at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. 

1/6/2023

[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) awarded Dr. David Allsopp, Professor of Special Education at the University of South Florida, with the LDA Award. This award is the highest honor given by LDA, and is presented in recognition and appreciation of outstanding leadership, support, and dedication in the field of learning disabilities. 

Dr. Allsopp has contributed extensively to the field of special education through research, writing, resource development, and presentations during his 23 years in academia. Dr. Allsopp’s focus is on instructional methods for students with high incidence disabilities and research methods for developing and validating effective practices. He is the co-author of five books on learning disabilities and ADHD, and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and books. 

In addition to being a professor at the University of South Florida, Dr. Allsopp also served as the Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation and Partnerships, and Endowed Chair and Director of the David C. Anchin Center in the College of Education.

“I am humbled to receive the LDA Award,” Dr. Allsopp said, “There are so many wonderful folks who do very meaningful work advocating for and with individuals with learning disabilities and their families. Receiving this award truly means a great deal to me and I am very appreciative of the LDA Board of Directors for this prestigious recognition.”

LDA’s CEO, Cindy Cipoletti, expressed support of the Board of Director’s decision to honor Dr. Allsop.  “Dr Allsopp has been a member of LDA’s Professional Advisory Board for the past four years, and has  been actively involved in LDA’s educational programs and resources.  His contributions to our Annual Conference and expertise in learning disabilities have been invaluable to our organization.  We are thrilled to honor Dr. Allsopp with this Award.”

Dr. Allsopp will be presented with the LDA Award at LDA’s 60th Annual International Conference in February at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. 

Contribute to our campaign

Our campaign is still ongoing until December 15th! Help us to reach as many students as possible!

This Giving Tuesday LDA and Marker Learning are partnering to raise funds to provide free evaluations to students who are unable to afford the cost of an evaluation.

While Marker strives to provide affordable, accessible evaluations for learning disabilities and related disorders, cost is still the primary barrier to reaching students.

Early and accurate identification of learning disabilities is critical to the success of students with learning disabilities. The earlier an individual is accurately identified as having a learning disability,  the sooner they will have access to the services, supports and accommodations needed for success.

Giving Tuesday is November 29th, and donations are currently being accepted. Learn more about the campaign by visiting the donation page.

Marker Learning conducts evaluations for students living in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. Applications for free evaluations will be reviewed by LDA and Marker Learning to assess fit and eligibility. Evaluations will be granted to students who have never been evaluated for a learning disability in the past, meet certain need-based criteria including income level, and are currently in grades K-6. Recipients will be notified by the end of January 2023.