Honoring Excellence: Alise Hoffman Awarded Karen Markussen Scholarship for Visually Impaired Education
On April 16, 2024, Alise Hoffman, a Teacher of the Visually Impaired at Gretna Public Schools, was honored with the Karen Markussen Scholarship by the Nebraska Center for the Education of the Blind (NCECBVI).
The Karen Markussen Trust Fund, overseen by NCECBVI and the Nebraska Department of Education, commemorates Ms. Markussen's legacy as a dedicated teacher of the visually impaired in Central Nebraska until her passing in 2006. Her desire was to support educators pursuing degrees to teach visually impaired children in Nebraska. The fund annually grants a $500 scholarship to a senior student enrolled in a vision or orientation/mobility endorsement/degree program, aiding in the completion of their education.
Within the Gretna Public School District, staff collaborates closely with NCECBVI. They develop individualized education plans, offer specialized training to teachers and staff, integrate assistive technologies, and establish inclusive learning environments that nurture the academic and personal development of visually impaired students.
The partnership between Gretna Public Schools and the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired (NCECBVI) underscores their joint dedication to delivering outstanding education and support to visually impaired students. This collaboration encompasses various initiatives aimed at ensuring that students with visual impairments receive quality education, specialized resources, and tailored support services.
Pictured:
Alise Hoffman (Recipient of the GPS scholarship award)
Dr. Tanya Armstrong (NCECBVI Superintendent)
Paul Duin (GPS Director of Special Education)
Dr. Kendra Schneider (GPS Assistant Director of Special Education)