Kris Eichner
Montour School District, PA
Kris has been the Transition Coordinator at KeySolutions and supporting Montour School District for approximately 4 years. Some of the services he helps offer to students through KeySolutions include Post-Secondary Services, Recreation and Leisure Services, and Vocational Training Services.
As a former student in special education, he sees himself in his students. He is passionate about connecting students to appropriate resources and opportunities, as well as helping other in need through self-advocacy and empowerment.
Deirdre Llach
Lakewood, NJ
“Project Discovery has played a key role in helping us lay a strong foundation in preparing our students for work-based learning opportunities.” – Deirdre Leach, NJ
Our Transition Lab… is a specially designed space that simulates a real-life apartment complete with a kitchen, living room, laundry area, bedroom, and office. This environment, combined with the structure of Project Discovery and Achieve Life Skills, provides students with meaningful, functional, hands-on learning opportunities…This integrated approach not only enhances individual outcomes but also strengthens our school community and sets a high standard for preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
From the Transition Lab with Project Discovery…
… to employment in the community!
The Gary Bates Memorial Award for Excellence in Career Education is awarded annually to honor Gary’s passion for student success. The 5th annual Gary Bates Memorial Award will be awarded to an educator who has used Education Associates’ Project Discovery or Achieve Life Skills curricula to make a significant, positive impact in students’ lives and in the community.
For over 30 years, Gary Bates served as an educator and consultant to schools, educators & students across the country. With a passion for helping others, Gary worked tirelessly to provide educators with hands-on, evidence-based career exploration and life skills programs. As a result of Gary’s hard work, countless students were able to learn about their career passions and interests, make better informed decisions about their future, and gain job and life skills. Gary’s interest in supporting educators with resources and helping students reach their fullest potential was at the heart of who he was. His kindness, generosity and loving spirit will never be forgotten.
The recipient of the Gary Bates Memorial Award for Excellence in Career Education will receive an award to display in their classroom or workspace, a presence in Education Associates’ national e-blasts & newsletters, and a cash prize:
WINNER: $1,000.00!*
RUNNER UP: $250.00*
2024 Award Winner
Stacey Hamann
Blue Springs, MO
Stacey brings the opportunities of the real world to students she serves through Pre-Employment Transition Services.
2023 Award Winner
Nicole Lowers
McMurray, PA
Nicole partners with staff to match students with in-school activities to demonstrate their new job skills.
2022 Award Winner
Emily Scheffler
Horry County, SC
Emily created a student-based enterprise for students to learn and practice job skills.
2021 Award Winner
Brooke Gilmer
Lauderdale County, AL
Brooke encourages career readiness in her students through hands-on career exploration.
2023 Runner Up
Christina Petersen
Laurel County, MT
After the first year of implementing Project Discovery & Achieve Life Skills, SPED Director Christina saw a difference in engagement and academics in her students.
“We saw a decrease in student drop out by more than 50%!”
*Read official rules for the Gary Bates Memorial Award for Excellence in Career Education here.
