Fall 2006 Table of Contents
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Bring a "Fella" to the Dance: Be a Texas Fellow!

By KC Dignan, Ph.D., Professional Development Coordinator, TSBVI

Abstract: Substantial incentives are provided to Texas Fellows who recruit new VI professionals.

Key Words: visually impaired, blindness, TVI, COMS, recruitment, VI professionals, News & Views

Almost all of us have a story about how one person, one person, affected our lives, and after that the lives of many children and students. Recruiting is most effective when it happens person-to-person. As a VI professional or parent you are a powerful recruiter. We want to recognize your efforts through a new program that acknowledge and rewards the power of that recruiting—"Texas Fellows."

Texas Fellows are special people who take extra steps to recruit VI professionals. Texas Fellows are leaders, helping keep caseloads manageable, and ensuring that students have access to TVIs and COMS.

How do Texas Fellows recruit?

Texas Fellows seek out educators who are curious, good problem-solvers, and committed to students' success. They share stories of success and not frustrations. They know it can take 12-18 months for someone to apply, so they don't give up easily, providing encouragement during the application process.

Texas Fellows understand what future VI professionals want to hear. People want to know that:

Jobs are available. Districts may create a full or part time position within 12-18 months.
Training is available without having to leave home. Training is provided through Region 2 ESC, Stephen F. Austin or Texas Tech Universities. Training is via distance learning methods so it isn't necessary to leave for long periods of time.
Tuition is paid. Besides free tuition, there may be local or regional assistance for books.

Future VI professionals will also want to know why they should work with students with visual impairments. There are many good reasons; these were the most typical from a 2003 national survey:

Having a nontraditional job, or working with nontraditional students;
Making a difference, a real difference in the lives of children;
Being student-need driven;
Working with intriguing students, student that continue to fascinate and inspire you;
Being respected by parents and administrators as a unique and knowledgeable professional;
Working 1-to-1 with students, or in small groups;
The on-the-job diversity; working with both adults and students.

Any benefits to being a Texas Fellow?

Texas Fellows will be recognized at all statewide events sponsored by TSBVI.
Texas Fellows and candidates will be listed in the See/Hear newsletter for a year.
Texas Fellows and candidates will get free registration at the next Texas Focus (up to 20 people).

If you are interested in being a Texas Fellow, contact KC Dignan <kcd @ TSBVI.edu> (512-206-9156) for more information. Your candidate must have enrolled in a program (ACP or university) after May 1, 2006 and be taking classes at the time of application. Be a Texas Fellow!

This flyer is used for "Texas Fellows" recruiting. Contact KC Dignan for a copy of the flyer.

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Last Revision: December 11, 2006