Feature Stories

Heartspring teacher named KASEA special education professional of the year
March 9, 2007

Heartspring special education teacher Verlene Warner was named the Special Education Professional of the Year by the Kansas Association of Special Education Administrators (KASEA) during their spring conference March 8, 2007 in Lawrence.

Warner has been helping children with special needs at the Heartspring School, a residential and day school for children with multiple disabilities in Wichita, for 28 years. As the music specialist and pre-vocational training instructor at Heartspring, Warner has been a consistent source of knowledge and support in the world of special education.

“Verlene Warner is heart and soul, a teacher of special education students. She has dedicated her entire 28 year career to education of highly challenged, special needs children. Unlimited energy and positive encouragement are her hallmarks,” said Dee McKee, principal of Heartspring School.

The KASEA Special Education Professional of the Year is selected by a committee based on specific criteria including a nomination letter, professional achievements, impact on students, innovative ideas, contributions to the improvement of special education and support letters from parents and professionals.