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Magical and Meaningful Work
by Valerie Chernek
Life is such a journey of people and experiences, so here’s an interesting question…What do Mr. Roger's Neighborhood (Fred Rogers), Sesame Street Workshops (Joan Ganz Cooney) and Clifford the Big Red Dog (Scholastic - Dick Robinson) have in common with our own Don Johnston?
Yep, you guessed it! They are all visionaries and innovators who truly care about children. They are also top industry leaders who have now been inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Association of Education Publishers. And finally at no surprise to any of us …they are all former educators.
 On December 1st in New York City, more than 200 U.S. executives from supplemental and software publishing filed into the magnificent McGraw Hill Auditorium to celebrate three education leaders: Dr. Charlotte Frank, Paul McFall and Don Johnston.
They came to hear how Dr. Frank (Sr. VP at McGraw-Hill) transformed NY City education as a teacher and then as a respected publisher and influencer of education policy.
They came to hear how Paul McFall, (Pearson School Education), a quiet southern man with a big heart, influenced so many product decisions to make a significant difference for teachers and students.
They came to hear how Don Johnston’s passion for educating all children would lead to technology innovations to help so many “forgotten” children rise to limitless expectations.
What stood out to us was that these ordinary people held a strong passion for education; they took risks and had lots of curiosity. They were magical in their vision and in their ability to influence masses.
 In his acceptance speech, Don spoke of the growing number of students who struggle to read and write in school and their perception of the value of education today. The group asked about you, the parents and educators who work with these students and they were awestruck by the strides you have made to help more kids become independent learners. They acknowledged the benefits of AT and heard a clear message that all kids can learn, even with severe disabilities -- Ruth Ziolkowski, our president, made sure of that in a powerful and elegant introduction of Don. He was humbled and participants applauded him for his extraordinary vision to influence so many publishers in their efforts to build a better future for education reform.
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The event ended with a video that Ben and Kevin created as a testament to their father’s accomplishments, filled with student messages from letters to Don. You’ve got to watch it! And please do share it! |
This magnanimous reception felt strange to us. We were overwhelmed by a sense of pride. What came about in New York City, amidst all the lights and glamour, was that we really are in this together. We felt renewed and justified in our work in special education and wanted to share a message with you. To recognize Don’s work at the 2011 AEP Hall of Fame says a lot about your work. Don told the group that he couldn’t have built his business without his family, his employees and his customers, YOU!
You are the parents, the educators, the people who make the magic happen. You take risks, help others climb over assumptions and challenge all of us to think and learn in new ways.
As you wrap up this year and think that you cannot take another step forward toward making a shift in your goals or technology implementation, or changing a false assumption that students with learning or physical disabilities are incapable of academics, let Don’s Hall of Fame award inspire you to recognize your lifelong commitment and purpose.
Along with Don and family, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with magic. And we promise to work together with you to keep your expectations high, your pursuit for learning equality bright, and your dreams for a better future for all kids moving forward.
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