Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 Names Eleanor (Kyri) Bennett as 2024 Annie Sullivan Award Recipient
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA – Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 has named Eleanor (Kyri) Bennett as the recipient of the 2024 Annie Sullivan Award. Bennett is a Teacher of Hearing Impaired at John Beck Elementary School in Warwick School District. 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.
Bennett’s colleagues universally noted her care and commitment to each and every one of her students, as well as her collaborative efforts outside of her own classroom. Many also acknowledged her innovative techniques that foster an effective learning environment and have an impact on the community. Some highlights of Bennett’s recent successes include:
- assisting with a 3D printing project titled the “Giving Tree Project” where students printed ornaments for other students in need,
- supporting various STEM projects,
- creating a game/program to support the exposure to American Sign Language (ASL),
- creating a café (a partnership between IU13 Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Warwick School District MDS program), and more.
“Ms. Bennett has consistently demonstrated a remarkable talent for designing and implementing programs that cater to diverse populations, in and out of the classroom setting,” noted a colleague. “Her inclusive approach to education goes beyond mere representation; ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate.”
Bennett joined IU13 in 2019 as a 1:1 Paraprofessional. At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, she moved to her current position as a Teacher of Hearing Impaired. At the end of this school year, she will have completed 4.5 years of service with IU13.
Congratulations to Kyri for being named the 2024 Annie Sullivan Award Winner and “thank you” for making a difference in the lives of others.
