IU13 Announces Two Annie Sullivan Award Winners
For the first time, Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 is proud to announce two Annie Sullivan Award winners: SJ Popiel, Teacher of Hearing Impaired at Cocalico High School and Giovanna Chamberlain, Special Education Consultant serving classrooms across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
Named after Helen Keller’s lifelong teacher and companion, the award is presented to a professional who portrays exemplary care to students with disabilities, while going beyond the classroom to help those in the community at large. The awarded professional is nominated by his or her peers and selected by a committee of past award recipients. It is considered one of the highest honors given to special education professionals.
SJ Popiel
Colleagues of SJ say she focuses on teaching students how to manage life, exceed their own expectations, practice and develop lifelong problem-solving techniques, and build skills needed for their future.
SJ constantly strives to promote inclusion—not only for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, but for the Deaf community as a whole.
One small example is a sign she adapted and hung outside her classroom that reads: “Thank you for keeping our classroom Deaf-friendly.” The poster goes on to encourage signed conversations, maintaining visual accessibility, using a touch or wave to get someone’s attention, using gestures or writing notes if one cannot sign, among other guidelines that help create a Deaf-friendly environment.
SJ is always looking to grow professionally. She regularly seeks input from staff to become the best teacher she can be. She collaborates closely with interpreters and related service providers to ensure smooth transitions for her students and consistent delivery of instruction. SJ also advocates for parents during IEP meetings and through ongoing communication throughout the school year, ensuring that students in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing classroom receive support both at school and at home.
Generous with her time and resources, SJ will go the extra mile to find information if she doesn’t already have the answer. She maintains strong ties to the Deaf community and continues to deepen her knowledge of Deaf culture and language to better support her students and colleagues.
Giovanna Chamberlain
Colleagues of Giovanna say that no matter the program she serves or the reason someone seeks her support, she remains professional, knowledgeable, kind, and respectful.
Giovanna has served students directly through teaching and leading field trips, while also contributing to planning and policy committees, leading professional development sessions, and presenting at conferences.
In addition, she mentors teachers and staff, empowering those around her to provide high-quality educational opportunities and to promote acceptance and inclusivity for students with disabilities.
She is always on the lookout for effective instructional tools, methods, and ideas to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all students. Giovanna has embraced her unique SEC role, which allows her to support multiple programs across the IU and even host STEM field trips. She helps pioneer the use of new technology and instructional tools within the IU and continues to share her knowledge through conference presentations. Her talent for generating new ideas and collaborating with others helps push the boundaries of what our educational system can offer.
Congratulations to SJ and Giovanna for being named the 2025 Annie Sullivan Award Winners and thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.
