The FableVision family suffered a devastating loss last month when FableVisionary and longtime “Dot Connector” Bill Norris passed away suddenly. The outpouring of love and memories that FableVision and Bill’s family and friends have received from around the world truly shows the deep and enduring impact Bill had on everyone he met and connected with.
Bill joined FableVision after 22 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, Title I director, and district leader in Watertown, Massachusetts, and senior project director at MCET. He held a degree in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, two advanced degrees from Lesley University in curriculum design and administration, and a certificate in organizational development from Bentley College.
As the Senior Project Director at MCET/Mass Interaction and the JASON Foundation for Education, Bill helped bring to life the award-winning FableVision and Research Institute for Learning and Development-created BrainCogs software to support struggling and mainstream learners. At FableVision and the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning and Creativity, he spent another two decades championing creativity, literacy, and purposeful learning, as well as helping advance the mission of nurturing every learner’s full potential. With his support and tireless efforts, International Dot Day—his favorite day of the year and a global celebration of creativity and courage to make one’s mark—has reached nearly 17 million teachers, librarians, and students in 185 countries. This year Dot Day will be dedicated to Bill, celebrating the mark he made around the world with his love, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
To honor Bill’s memory, The Reynolds Center has established a scholarship fund in his name. Bill believed that everyone deserved the opportunity to reach their full potential, especially those struggling along their journey. Donate now to help continue Bill’s legacy.
