HSSU Assistant Professor Dr. Shereen Kader chosen as a 2009 Heartspring awardee

(St. Louis, MO) – Harris-Stowe State University Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education Dr. Shereen Kader was recently selected to receive a 2009 Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education. Each of the 10 chosen Heartspring awardees receive a $1,000 stipend, an original award sculpture, free travel and all-expenses paid to attend this year’s Heartspring Award Summer Conference, which will run July 22-25, in Wichita, Kansas.

“It is very fulfilling to be rewarded for your innovative ideas and to know that these ideas have a great potential to make a difference in others,” Kadar said. “I am thankful for the support and encouragement I got from the Heartspring organization and Harris-Stowe State University colleagues and friends.”

Dr. Gary Singleton, Heartspring President and CEO, said of Dr. Kader, “We received many applications for this prestigious award, and your creativity and passion placed you among a very select group. There are many dedicated teachers, therapists and other professionals across this country and around the world who give of their time and talent to help children with special needs and or who are living in special circumstances, but there are many fewer who are truly pioneers who bring innovation and creativity to achieve even greater results for children in need.”

Heartspring is a global center for children with special needs, and the organization has provided training to many other institutions for 75 years. Through the Heartspring School, Heartspring Pediatric Services, the Heartspring Hearing Center and Heartspring World Reach, the center has established greater independence for children with disabilities.