LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Literacy Summit's Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a distinct leader who has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, initiative, and foresight in their work to improve educational outcomes and impact perennial change for students, teachers, schools, and districts throughout their career.
Dr. Wayne Blanton is a native Floridian who graduated from Florida State University (FSU) in 1968. After serving time in the U.S. Army and leaving as a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Dr. Blanton completed his Master of Education degree at Florida A&M University in 1973. He then earned his doctoral degree at FSU in 1978 and dedicated more than 30 years leading the Florida School Boards Association as an executive director.
Under Dr. Blanton's leadership, the Florida School Boards Association became the voice of education throughout the state of Florida. His tireless efforts working with school board members, superintendents, legislators, and governors made FSBA one of the most respected educational organizations in Florida over the next three decades.
"Dr. Blanton is one of those educational leaders who not only had the necessary drive and vision, but the powerful leadership capabilities needed to make real change happen for Florida's students," said Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network who is co-sponsoring the National Literacy Summit. "We are excited to have the opportunity to honor his great work during this conference dedicated to transforming students' lives through improved literacy."
The award will be presented by Dr. Bill Daggett during the National Literacy Summit to take place this coming November 11th – 13th at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Participants at the National Literacy Summit will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Blanton during special sessions and various networking events throughout the conference. In its inaugural year, the National Literacy Summit offers an exceptional lineup of speakers, an interactive literacy planning approach and multiple guided workshop sessions with the opportunity to earn a certificate for up to 20 continuing education hours.
Dr. Blanton, retired since 2015, is still active as a consultant with educational organizations across the country. Dr. Blanton stated that he is "deeply honored to be chosen for this award since there are so many that have done so much for me during my career. I know we have made Florida a better place for all of our students and that is the greatest award of all."
About the National Literacy Summit
The National Literacy Summit is an interactive, professional development event for all educators. It is brought to you by the Successful Practices Network (SPN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing best practices with k12 education leaders and practitioners and by co-host Achieve3000, a leading ed-tech company accelerating literacy growth for more than 3 million students, from preschool to adult learners.
SOURCE National Literacy Summit
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