Student teaching awards to be given May 6

The Office of Field Experiences within the College of Education will host its annual Excellence in Student Teaching Awards Ceremony for Childhood and Early Childhood Education seniors, on Tuesday, May 6,  at 7 p.m. at the Fredonia Opera House. From the pool of 172 students seeking certification in Childhood or Early Childhood, 35 to 40 teacher candidates will be recognized.

May 6 was selected as the date because it has  been observed nationally as Day of the Teacher since 1944.

The students being recognized participated in two or three student teaching experiences and were nominated by at least two college supervisors. Those selected exceeded normal expectations for creative ideas in the classroom, and showed exceptional teaching ability, superior professional behavior, and inspired lesson planning.

The evening will include a welcoming address from Dennis Hefner, President of SUNY Fredonia, remarks from Ann Marie Loughlin, director of Field Experiences, and words of encouragement from Robert Guiffreda, district superintendent of schools.

Comments written about each student will be read by Mira Berkley, program coordinator of the Early Childhood Program, and Jill Marshall, coordinator of the Childhood Program.

Christine Givner, the Dean of the College of Education, will present the Certificates of Excellence to each student and will offer closing remarks for the event. "The College of Education recognizes that these students would not receive this award if it were not for the dedication and hard work of classroom teachers who volunteer to be mentors," she said. "This is why the ceremony takes place on the National Day of the Teacher."

Teacher candidates seeking certification in Adolescence Education areas will receive their Excellence in Student Teaching certificates at their respective academic ceremonies.