William (Bill) Ellis was NCLD's director of professional services from 1991 until his untimely death in 1995. A former school headmaster and a fierce advocate for children with learning disabilities and their families, he was a driving force within the newly incorporated National Center for Learning Disabilities, formerly a Foundation (founded in 1977) that was poised to do even bigger and better things as a national not-for-profit.

I don’t recall ever having met Bill Ellis in person, although we spoke over the phone a number of times and I even recall having traded letters with him. But had we met, I’m sure that we would have become close colleagues, even friends. In 1996, NCLD entrusted Bill’s directorship to me, and the following year, it was my privilege to inaugurate NCLD’s annual the Bill Ellis Teacher Preparation Award program. The winners of this award are educators who share Bill’s unwavering belief in the enduring value of effective instruction for all learners, including those who struggle with learning disabilities and the powerful contribution that educators can make in helping students realize their dreams.

The winner of this year’s award is Ms. Karin Lewis, Reading Specialist, Hill Elementary School, West Aurora, IL. Karin is someone who exemplifies the value that Bill placed on schools as vibrant learning communities. She has demonstrated the tremendous impact that one person can have in helping parents, educators, and school administrators join hands to meet the needs of all students, especially those who struggle with learning. And she is unwavering in her commitment to making smart decisions and delivering high quality. She knows that the keys to effective instruction include blending teamwork with professional wisdom, intuition with data, and charging ahead with relentless energy to ensure that children are afforded the best possible opportunities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Learn more about the Bill Ellis Teacher Preparation Award, read about former award winners, and meet this year’s winner, Karin Lewis.