Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award

Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award The purpose of this page is to share and promote information for the Diana McLendon Teaching in Excellence Memorial Award

This award is being offered in the memory of Diana McLendon who lost her battle with Leukemia in December 2019. Diana was the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program Coordinator for the Department of Education, and the liaison for the statewide Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) centers, Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA), and Autism Navigator. FSU CA

RD is proud to set up this memorial award to honor our colleague Diana on behalf of all seven CARD centers around the state. We are presenting this award to honor Diana and her passion for students with ASD. During Diana’s first year of teaching students with autism, she won the prestigious Florida Council of Exceptional Children Dr. Jack R. Lamb Rookie Teacher of the Year award in 2008. The ideal candidate would possess many of the characteristics and qualities that Diana had in her professional career. Diana was an individual that demonstrated a positive attitude and faced each day with extreme energy. She was highly motivated and approached the ASD world with a kind and genuine heart. Diana approached teaching students with ASD with an open mind and lived by the motto “No child is left behind.” In the classroom you could see her passion and dedication as she interacted and taught her ASD students. Diana was innovative, finding new techniques and strategies to improve teaching her in classroom. As an ASD Program Coordinator, Diana was committed to improving the lives of ASD children throughout Florida. In her role as liaison she helped manage discretionary projects such as CARD, PEPSA, and Autism Navigator. Diana provided critical technical assistance and worked professionally with many of her statewide ASD contacts and school districts. She had solid leadership qualities that enabled her to work as a team player. Diana considered working as an ASD educator and coordinator a privilege. Her family and colleagues want to continue to honor Diana and live out her legacy.

Congratulations to all the teachers who won the Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award this year. 📚 🧩 This...
01/17/2026

Congratulations to all the teachers who won the Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award this year. 📚 🧩

This year I missed the award presentation due to a death in Jake’s (my husband) family. We were in Pittsburgh for his Grandfather’s funeral. Thank you Cathy and all the CARD centers for all you do each year for making this award possible.

Looking forward to attending the CARD conference in January 2026 to present some deserving teachers with mom’s award!
11/25/2025

Looking forward to attending the CARD conference in January 2026 to present some deserving teachers with mom’s award!

🌟 Honoring Excellence in Teaching- FSU CARD Region 🌟

The Diana McLendon Memorial Award celebrates educators who go above and beyond for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

✅ Award: $500 stipend + registration & expenses for the CARD Conference in Orlando
✅ Deadline: December 5, 2025
✅ Eligibility:
Teach in Florida (any grade)
Have at least one student with ASD in 2025–2026
Have contact with your regional CARD center

📲 Nominate an outstanding educator today in the 18-county FSU CARD region: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/04f160e4682f440aa68bdf6a0cdbe584

Let’s honor those who make a difference! 💙

I was honored to attend the CARD conference in Orlando today and announce the winners of the Diana McLendon Excellence i...
01/17/2025

I was honored to attend the CARD conference in Orlando today and announce the winners of the Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award! Thanks to Cathy and all the CARD directors and their staff for making this possible.

Mom is with us all every single day. Her legacy and passion for ASD lives on in these wonderful and truly special teachers.

Congratulations to:

Paulya Fields - Bayview Elementary School
Jessica Cox - Charlotte Harbor Center School
Jayna Smith - Gove Elementary School
Kathleen Jimenez - Deltona Elementary School
Darian Kessler - Great Heights Academy
Mikinzie Wallace - Eagle Creek Elementary School
Elizabeth Havard - Southside Primary School

Looking forward to attending the CARD conference in January to present some amazing teachers with mom’s award!
11/12/2024

Looking forward to attending the CARD conference in January to present some amazing teachers with mom’s award!

Do you know an outstanding teacher that you want to nominate for the annual Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award? Please nominate your deserving candidate using the link below. Each nomination will be reviewed by the FSU CARD staff and one winner will be selected to represent the FSU CARD catchment area (18 counties). Each statewide CARD location will select a candidate to receive this prestigious award and winners will be announced and recognized at the Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando, FL in January 2025.

The recipients will receive a $500 stipend, plaque, and the opportunity to attend the Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando (expenses paid by CARD). We need all nominations in by November 15, 2024.

Nomination Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/04f160e4682f440aa68bdf6a0cdbe584

Looking forward to attending and presenting another round of teachers with mom’s award! Her legacy lives on! 📚🤓
11/04/2024

Looking forward to attending and presenting another round of teachers with mom’s award! Her legacy lives on! 📚🤓

32nd Annual Statewide CARD Conference with ADOS-2 Training, HISPA Conference and PEPSA. Orlando. Fl. January 16-19. 2025.

Thank you to all the CARD centers for another year of supporting Florida teachers in memory of my mom, Diana!FSU Center ...
10/02/2024

Thank you to all the CARD centers for another year of supporting Florida teachers in memory of my mom, Diana!

FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
UCF CARD - Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, UF Gainesville
CARD-USF
UM-NSU CARD
UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabilities - Jacksonville

Do you know an outstanding teacher that you want to nominate for the annual Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award? Please nominate your deserving candidate using the link below. Each nomination will be reviewed by the FSU CARD staff and one winner will be selected to represent the FSU CARD catchment area (18 counties). Each statewide CARD location will select a candidate to receive this prestigious award and winners will be announced and recognized at the Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando, FL in January 2025.

The recipients will receive a $500 stipend, plaque, and the opportunity to attend the Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando (expenses paid by CARD). We need all nominations in by November 15, 2024.

Nomination Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/04f160e4682f440aa68bdf6a0cdbe584

I was honored to attend the CARD conference in Orlando today and announce the winners of the Diana McLendon Excellence i...
01/12/2024

I was honored to attend the CARD conference in Orlando today and announce the winners of the Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award!

I have enjoyed watching over the last few years how the award has grown and impacted many teachers and students in the State of Florida. Thanks to Cathy and all the CARD center directors and their staff for making this possible.

Congratulations to:

Rhiannon Kazmierczak - Hilliard Elementary
Megan Maynard - Plum Elementary
Jill Rissetto - St Cloud Elementary
Lissette Diaz - Highpoint Academy
Alexandra Almanzar - Highpoint Academy
Madeline Storey - Riversink Elementary
Emilee Constantakos - The Learning Center
Alexis Matonti - Hope School for Autism
Christina Story - Chiefland Middle High School

Congratulations to these wonderful teachers! As the daughter of Diana, I look forward to presenting the awards and meeti...
12/08/2023

Congratulations to these wonderful teachers! As the daughter of Diana, I look forward to presenting the awards and meeting you at the CARD conference next month! ❤️

Congratulations to these fantastic teachers! These teachers were nominated for the award based on their positive attitudes and extreme energy, kind and generous hearts, passion for students with ASD and innovation and leadership. These were qualities that exemplify Diana Diana McLendon's contribution to the Florida ASD community. The winners from around the state will be honored at the CARD conference in January.

I was honored to attend the 30th Annual Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando yesterday and announce the winners of the D...
01/14/2023

I was honored to attend the 30th Annual Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando yesterday and announce the winners of the Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Memorial Award!

Congrats to:

Rebecca Bertoch from Riley Elementary School
Dianna Pittenger from Central Middle
School
Michelle Methany from Tavaras High School
Christina Smith from The Village Early Learning
Anne McHugh from Weeki Wachee High School.

Monday, November 7th to the deadline to submit your application!! THREE DAYS!Submit your application via the link here: ...
11/04/2022

Monday, November 7th to the deadline to submit your application!! THREE DAYS!

Submit your application via the link here: http://tiny.cc/dianamclendon

or scan the QR code in the flyer below!

Please share this opportunity on your pages and with State of Florida teachers.

Winners will be announced at the CARD Conference in Orlando on January 13th, 2023!

Deadline to submit your application is in ONE WEEK! Submit your application via the link here: http://tiny.cc/dianamclen...
11/01/2022

Deadline to submit your application is in ONE WEEK!

Submit your application via the link here: http://tiny.cc/dianamclendon
or scan the QR code in the flyer below!

Please share this opportunity on your pages and with State of Florida teachers.

Winners will be announced at the CARD Conference in Orlando on January 13th, 2023!

Address

1500 Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL
32809-7081

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