VKC UCEDD trainee receives international Emerging Leader Award

Special Education doctoral student and UCEDD trainee Matthew Brock has received the prestigious Alice H. Hayden Emerging Leader Award from TASH.

By: Elizabeth Turner

Special Education doctoral student and UCEDD trainee Matthew Brock was recently selected to receive the 2013 Alice H. Hayden Emerging Leader Award from TASH. This prestigious award is presented to a doctoral student who demonstrates strong potential for leadership in teaching, scholarship, and service on behalf of people with significant disabilities and an ongoing commitment to working in partnership with people with disabilities.

Brock is advised by Associate Professor of Special Education Erik Carter, Ph.D. During his time at Vanderbilt, he has served as a lead research assistant and intervention coach, a teaching assistant, and a collaborator on several research, writing, and professional development projects focused on students with severe disabilities and the staff who serve them.

"Matt is passionate about ensuring the best of what we know works actually penetrates practice in schools across the country, and he is committed to ensuring rigorous, relevant research serves as the foundation for the education of students with severe disabilities," said Carter. "I am certain he will make a lasting mark on the field of severe disabilities — as a scholar, teacher trainer, and advocate."

The award is in honor of the leadership and inspiration of one of the founding members of TASH, Professor Alice H. Hayden, a pioneer in child development and a leader in demonstrating and believing in the power of cooperative and coordinated efforts in improving the lives of children and youth labeled with severe disabilities.

Brock will accept his award in Chicago this December at the annual TASH Conference.

Last Updated: 9/23/2013 8:11:12 AM

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