National Federation of the Blind

Teacher of Tomorrow Program

Schedule 2011-2012

Session One: Welcome to the Teacher of Tomorrow Program 

Dates: October 14-16, 2011 (Arrive Friday evening, and depart Sunday morning.)

Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

Description: Our introductory session will provide many networking opportunities and a chance to learn about helpful NFB resources.  The session will also feature first-hand accounts describing the educational experiences of blind people, will present a philosophical framework that promotes empowerment among blind youth, and will engage students in hands-on blindness activities.

 

Students learning to grill while wearing sleepshades.

Session Two: NFB Youth Leadership Academies 

Dates: December 2-4, 2011 and March 23-25, 2012 (Arrive Friday afternoon and depart Sunday morning.)

Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

Description: These action-packed weekends will bring together about 40 blind high school students from throughout the United States. You will have the unique opportunity to learn about blindness from the perspective of blind students themselves. We will demonstrate fun and age-appropriate teaching techniques that facilitate the development of a positive understanding of blindness. We are planning two Youth Leadership Academies; therefore, you can attend which ever session works best with your schedule.

Student practices using a flat iron while wearing sleepshades.

Session Three: Making a Difference on Capitol Hill- NFB Washington Seminar

Dates: February 5-7, 2012 (Arrive Sunday and depart Tuesday evening. You can stay longer if your schedule allows.)

Location: Washington, D.C. 

Description: Approximately 500 NFB members from throughout the country will gather in Washington, D.C. to help pass legislation that will improve the lives of blind people. You will have an opportunity to be part of the advocacy process. You will learn techniques you can use with your own students and families to make them stronger advocates.

Session Four: Changing What it Means to be Blind: Lessons from Louisiana

Dates: May 2012 (Specific dates for the weekend will be announced within the next couple of months. However, you will arrive Thursday evening and return Sunday morning.)

Location: Ruston, Louisiana

Description: During this session you will visit the Louisiana Center for the Blind and you will hear from the staff at the Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. These experiences will focus on the philosophical and practical use of sleep shades, on cane travel skills for children, on strategies for teaching Braille, and on other educational issues.

Session Five: NFB National Convention

Dates: June 29-July 6, 2012

Location: Dallas, Texas

Description: The NFB convention will bring together nearly 3,000 NFB members from all walks of life and from every region of the country. The convention will offer a variety of formal and informal learning opportunities. It is like no other blindness event in the world! We will travel to Dallas on Friday, June 29, attend sessions June 30-July 5, and head home on Friday, July 6.