2019 NOBE Seminar

Welcome to the 2019 annual seminar of the National Organization of Blind Educators (NOBE). We hope that our seminar today gives you an opportunity to learn some useful strategies, network with blind colleagues, and enjoy the many possibilities in this rich profession. We are glad you’ve joined us. As you await the beginning of our meeting, we thought you might enjoy a little classroom-related humor:

Teacher: If I have 5 oranges in one hand and 6 apples in the other, what do I have?
Student: Huge hands.

Teacher: Jenny, I hope I didn’t just see you copying off Jayden’s test paper.
Jenny: I sure hope you didn’t, either!

Teacher: Why are the Middle Ages sometimes called the Dark Ages?
Student: because there were so many knights.

Teacher: Matthew, what is the chemical formula for water?
Mathew: H I J K L M N O.
Teacher: What on Earth are you talking about?
Matthew: Well, didn’t you say it was H to O?

Student: Teacher, would you punish me for something I didn’t do?
Teacher: Of course not!
Student: Great, because I didn’t do my homework!

1:00-1:30 Registration

1:30-1:40 Welcome and Division Report
Cayte Mendez, President, National Organization of Blind Educators

1:40-2:00 Introductions

2:00-2:20 Troubleshooting Teacher Tech: Tips and tricks for solving access challenges
Chancey Fleet, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, New York, NY, President, National Federation of the Blind Assistive Technology Trainers’ Division

2:20-2:50 Break Out Sessions: Successful Blind Educators lead demos and discussion groups focused on strategies for blind educators in areas of professional practice.

• Nonvisual Classroom Management
  Harriet Go, Special Education Teacher, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Second Vice President, National Organization of Blind Educators and National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
• Technology in the Classroom
  Valeria Jacobs, Learning Specialist, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Queens, NY; Secretary, National Organization of Blind Educators
  Arthur Jacobs, New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
• Successful Systems: Incorporating Non-visual Techniques into Planning, Classroom Set-up and Assessment Strategies
  Kayleigh Joiner, Board Member, National Organization of Blind Educators
• Displays, Visuals and Art: Making and using materials for your visual learners
  Cayte Mendez, Early Childhood Teacher, PS 69 Journey Prep Academy, Bronx, NY; President, National Organization of Blind Educators, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of New York State

2:50-3:00 Small Group Wrap-Up and Share

3:00-3:20 Accommodations that Work: When to ask, how to ask, and what to ask for
Ronza Othman, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Lawyers; President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

3:20-4:00 Small Group Networking: Teachers collaborate with their colleagues within grade and subject level groups.

4:00-4:10 Small Group Wrap-Up and Share

4:10-4:25 Business Session and Elections

4:25-4:30 Closing and Adjourn