The Frances Wimer Award

In reviewing the history of VATE that recounts the activities of professionals who dedicated their lives to English language arts in Virginia, no person stands out like Frances N. Wimer. During her career as a teacher and as Supervisor of Gifted and Talented for the City of Richmond, Frances Wimer exemplified the ideals of unselfish service to VATE.

As president of VATE during 1964-65, Ms. Wimer established the first VATE Conference for supervisors, the meeting that eventually led to the annual VATE Fall Conference. In 1966, Ms. Wimer became editor of the VIRGINIA ENGLISH BULLETIN and continued in that post for ten years. As editor of our organization's professional publication, Ms. Wimer expanded the BULLETIN into a scholarly publication focusing on matters of interest to teachers at all levels of education.

As teacher, supervisor, VATE president, and editor of the VIRGINIA ENGLISH BULLETIN, Frances Wimer committed herself to serving the students and teachers of English in Virginia. In recognition of her tireless work of nearly two decades with VATE, it is appropriate that her colleagues recognize Ms. Wimer's countless contributions to our organization. Therefore, the Frances N. Wimer Award is established to honor those professionals who exemplify the extensive, on-going service that Frances Wimer gave to VATE and to the profession.

Procedure (8-12-89)

• The selection committee will be chaired by the immediate past president with two other past presidents appointed by the Board.
• A call for nominations will be announced annually in THE NEEDLE'S EYE (February and 29 May).
• Nomination materials should consist of a letter of nomination (no self-nominations), a vita or resume, and no more that five (5) letters of support.
• Nominees can come from any level of teaching or involvement with English language arts (K-12 classroom teachers, central office personnel, administrators, and college level).
• The major component for evaluation of nominee is service, with approximately 50 percent representing exemplary on-going service to VATE and approximately 50 percent representing exemplary on-going service to the profession.
• Completed files for nominations will be due in time (around August 1) for the committee to meet at the August Board meeting.
• Nominations will be retained by the selection committee for three years; however, the chair should notify the nominator to provide the opportunity to submit updated materials.
• The winner will be announced prior to the Conference so that a feature on the winner can be part of the Conference newsletter.
• The award will be given at the Fall Conference when the Foster B. Gresham Award is given, and the same considerations (auto mileage, room, plaque, Conference registration and banquet fees) will be allowed by VATE.
• The award need not be given each year.

If you know of a person who deserves this award, nominate that person, and please use the following guidelines and procedures:

• The nominee must be a VATE member and from any level of teaching or involvement with English/Language arts (K-12 classroom teachers, central office personnel, administrators, and college level).
• The major component for evaluation of a nominee is exemplary, on-going service, both to VATE and to the profession.
• Nomination materials should consist of the following:
  • A letter of nomination from the sponsor
  • A vita or resume
  • No more than five letters of support
• Nominations will be retained by the selection committee for three years. The chair of the committee will contact the nominator to provide the opportunity to submit updated materials.

All completed nomination materials should be postmarked by August 1 and sent to:

Hood Frazier

Past President