NOTTINGHAM, MD—Christie Holland, an educator at The Maryland School for the Blind, has been named the Principals of Schools for the Blind 2020 Outstanding Teacher of Students with Multiple Disabilities.

Annually POSB, which is part of the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB), recognizes the contributions of remarkable individuals nationally who work with students who are blind or visually impaired. Professionals in the field are nominated by their peers and the winners are chosen by principals from across the country.

Holland, who has been on the staff at MSB since 2007, provides special education and vision services for children who have a variety of disabilities including visual impairments, autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and multiple disabilities from ages 5 – 21. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Special Education from Bethany College in West Virginia and her Masters certificate as a teacher for the visually impaired from Johns Hopkins University.

She was unanimously nominated for the award by members of the MSB education staff for her dedication to her students and their families and for exceeding the expectations of the job. Over the past 13 years, she has been a leader in the field and a mentor to her both her peers and new staff. Holland has presented at professional conferences, including the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind (AER), and at trainings for educators and students. She has also served as an assistant cheerleading coach at the school.

According to Mr. W. Robert Hair, MSB Superintendent, “We are very proud of Ms. Holland and congratulate her on this well-deserved award. She is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and their families. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

Holland will receive her award at a virtual ceremony hosted by the COSB Institute on October 6, 2020. She is a resident of Glen Burnie, Maryland.