Kappa Delta Pi

Congratulations to the first teachers to be awarded KDP’s Teacher of Honor designation! This new recognition program honors practicing teachers with three or more years of professional experience who demonstrate commitment to continuous professional growth and integrity in the classroom.

To be eligible for this recognition, applicants submitted an information packet that documented their completion of eight rigorous criteria. Teacher of Honor applications for the 2009–2010 year are now available and will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis through June 30, 2010.

2010 Recipients

LaTricea D. Adams
Spanish Teacher, Department Head
Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
LaTricea Adams’ efforts may have won her opportunities to travel to Spain and spend one week learning about the Dominican Republic, but it was her students who benefitted. She brings all of her experiences back to the culturally diverse Cane Ridge High School, where she helps her students achieve record-setting performances on foreign language assessment tests. Active in the student life as a cheerleading sponsor, she also helped develop the school’s very first International Festival. Her energy and interest in her subject area, as well as her students, means students will continue to benefit in the Antioch community.

Drinda E. Benge, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, MAT Coordinator
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Dr. Benge began as a classroom instructor in elementary and middle schools in North Carolina, and has maintained her connection to the classroom through her direct supervision of preservice teachers from NC State. Her role there as a graduate and undergraduate professor, as well as coordinator of curriculum and instruction in English and social studies for future elementary and middle school instructors, keeps her connected. According to Dr. Gerald Ponder, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Education at NC State, Dr. Benge has re-energized the university’s KDP chapter and “has been instrumental in the successful accreditation process with NCATE and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.”

Kira Chauvin Berggren
School Librarian
Chateau Estates Elementary School, Kenner, LA
The excitement and enthusiasm of a new teacher and librarian shows through in all Kira Chauvin Berggren does for her students at Chateau Estates Elementary School. From working to secure additional funding for the school’s library following Hurricane Katrina, to exposing students to the exciting intersection of literature and technology, Chauvin Berggren epitomizes what a teacher of honor can be. She is a member of the Kappa Xi chapter.

Kathy Lindstrom
English Department Chair
Desert Hills High School, Gilbert, AZ
Kathy is a 21-year veteran teacher, who has worked primarily with at-risk students in California and Arizona. In her five years at DHHS, Lindstrom has served as English Department chair, where she has increased sophomore Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test scores by 40 percent. A member of Arizona Department of Education’s (ADE) AIMS committees since 2005, Kathy has assisted in development of both the AIMS reading tests and anchor scoring AIMS writing. Additionally, she is vice president of the Arizona Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and is earning her Doctor of Education at Northcentral University.

Barbara Ruth Peltzman, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Program Director, Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction
St. John’s University, Staten Island, NY
A career educator with a passion for special needs children and early childhood education, Dr. Barbara Ruth Peltzman has helped prepare many great teachers in her life. For more than 30 years, she has taught curriculum, children’s literature, education history and methodology for preparing teachers at St. John’s University. The author of two books on the history of education, Dr. Peltzman is never far from where she started, the elementary school. She not only teaches tomorrow’s teachers, she also interacts with today’s students.

Jeremy Utt
Math and Algebra I Teacher
Windsor Middle School, Windsor, VA
Though Jeremy has taught only four years, his achievements surpassed the minimum requirements for this award. He has earned endorsement in gifted education to better meet the needs of his students, developed school curriculum, served as Chairperson of the Teacher Council and co-president of the Isle of Wight Education Association, and currently cosponsors the Junior Beta Club at Windsor. “Mr. Utt is passionate about meeting the needs of all students, including the gifted,” said Lisa Kardos, colleague and parent of one of Utt’s students.

2009 Recipients

	Stella C. Batagiannis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor – Educational Leadership Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), IN With more than 30 years of teaching and educational leadership experience in K–12 education, Stella’s professional background ranges from teaching English to serving as superintendent in two different Indiana high schools; first at Mishawaka, and then West Lafayette. With a longstanding focus on strengthening leadership, her achievements include establishing administrative internship programs, as well as presenting and publishing, locally and nationally, on leadership and curriculum development. Stella’s most recent honors include the Dean’s Faculty Accomplishment Award2006-2007 and the Excellence in Faculty Advising Award 2006-2007–Professional Studies.
	Terri L. Browning English Department Chair Oxford Junior/Senior High School, Oxford, KS A 15-year teacher at Oxford, Terri has embraced the role of teacher leader by serving on the district’s Leadership Team, as department chair for 10 years, and reading goal chair for the last three years. She is recognized by her peers and principal as a collaborator and one to challenge herself to research better practices, take on new roles, and learn new technology.
	Julie Caglarcan Special Education Teacher Austin Independent School District, Austin, TX Ten-year educator, Julie, “has demonstrated a consistent child-centered approach to working with children who have been hospitalized due to emotional crisis and breakdowns,” said Kate Anderson, MA, CCC/SLP, Julie’s coworker at Austin State Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services Day School. She creates a safe and nurturing environment that encourages students to take educational risks, despite their previous educational failures. It is “her ability and dedication to make a significant impact and difference in the lives of her students” that led to her inclusion in the 2005–2006 edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
	Sir David Santandreu Calonge Senior Education Development Officer of the Education Development Office City University of Hong Kong (CityU) Santandreu Calonge arrived in Hong Kong in 1993 and joined CityU in 2000. His first position in Hong Kong involved serving as a French teacher in the Division of Language Studies in the Community College of City University. He then became a member of the Education Development Office and currently provides staff and professional development for teachers and administrators. Over the years, David has worked hard on developing different teaching methods to improve students’ communication and language skills. He also has been featured in television and radio programs promoting French language and culture.
	Marilyn Cook Title 1 Reading Teacher Port Aransas Independent School District, Port Aransas, TX Marilyn, who has both a master’s of science degree in curriculum and instruction and a master’s of science in educational administration and supervision, has taught K—12 at all levels and as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. In addition to her Teacher of Honor recognition, Marilyn was a 2007 finalist in the Lifetime Achievement category of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award and has published articles in various educational publications. She serves on the board of directors of the Council of Elementary Science International and on the advisory board of the Parents Association at Texas State University.
	Dr. Rachel Finley-Bowman Associate Professor of Social Studies Education Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA Dr. Finley-Bowman has taught in five different collegiate schools, is a member of more than 10 professional organizations, frequently presents her research in Social Studies to councils, organizations, and at various meetings, and has published numerous peer- and expert-reviewed articles. In October 2008, Finley-Bowman received an Elizabethtown College Faculty Starter Grant for her current project involving the founding and development of a new regional professional organization—The Susquehanna Valley Council for the Social Studies.
	Rayna Freedman 3rd-Grade Teacher Jordan/Jackson Elementary School, Mansfield, MA Rayna has been an active educator at Jordan/Jackson since 2000, creating projects for her students that incorporate technology, language arts, music, and art. These projects combine in a unique way to help her students to deal with their emotions and effectively solve problems. Community service with her students, professional development and online courses, published articles, and a master’s degree from Lesley University are only a few of Rayna’s accomplishments throughout her professional career.
	Nancy K. Grim English Teacher Annandale High School, Annandale, VA Nancy, a 36-year educator, has taught 21 years at Fairfax County’s Annadale High School. She is certified in educational administration, and in 2005 was recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, an honor achieved by only nine percent of the nation’s teachers. Ms. Grim served her school as the 12th-grade team leader, created a 40-page comprehensive commencement handbook for Annandale High School as a guide for school personnel to coordinate and carry out graduation exercises, and participated in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s College Readiness Evaluation for Schools and Teachers (CREST).
	Marian Jackson French Teacher Port Barre High School, Port Barre, LA Described by her assistant principal as a “prolific educator and leader at Port Barre,” Marian has received honors locally and nationally, from Teacher of the Year for the St. Landry Parish School System in 2005–2006 to inclusion in the ninth edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers In 2004–2005. She has served as a reviewer for the national Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program, and in March 2008, her article “Academic and Student Affairs Issues Post Hurricane Katrina” was published online. Marian also serves as chairperson of foreign languages at Port Barre.
	Malissa Ann Leipold Assistant Professor Iona College, New Rochelle, NY As coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program (ELP), Malissa has revised its entire curriculum and submitted a report that helped Iona earn NCATE accreditation, which earned national recognition for Iona’s ELP program. At Iona Malissa has served on the Committee on Academic Affairs and the Committee on the Budget. She published the book, Job Satisfaction, and various journal articles. In 2008 Malissa presented “Teacher Motivation and Factors Influencing New York State High School Teachers’ Job Satisfaction” at an international educational leadership conference in Malta.
	Dr. Lienne Federico Medford Director, Master of Arts (MAT) in Teaching Middle Grades Program Clemson University, Greenville, SC Lienne has accomplished much in the last nine years, including introducing Clemson’s MAT program for career changers. For this program, she annually recruits and trains 40 teacher candidates, spending “countless hours mentoring and advising students,” said graduate assistant Mary Helen Landmesser. Lienne’s efforts earned her the College of Education’s Award for Outstanding Graduate Advising and Mentoring and the university’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.
	Melissa Pierczynski Language Arts Teacher LaSalle Springs Middle School, Wildwood, MO Melissa is a Language Arts Teacher with 9 years of classroom experience that includes teaching language arts at LaSalle Springs Middle School. During her education career, she has served as the elected Professional Representative on the National Executive Council for Kappa Delta Pi, participated in 312 hours professional development, presented at professional conferences, published articles in KDP’s New Teacher Advocate and Scholastic’s Instructor New Teacher Magazine, and served as Grade Team Leader at LaSalle Springs Middle School.
	Clinton Smith Special Education Teacher Shadowlawn Middle School, Arlington, TN Clinton has successfully combined his passions for working with students who have special needs and community outreach by taking an active role in the Tennessee Special Olympics. In 2005, Clinton was named by Shelby County as Pilot Club of Shelby County Special Education Teacher of the Year, and, more recently, in 2008, as a Shadowlawn National Teacher Day Honoree. He holds a master’s of science degree in instruction and curriculum leadership with a concentration in special education from the University of Memphis.

2008 Recipients

	Dr. Suzanne Banas Lead Teacher Richmond Heights Middle School–Zoo Magnet, Miami, FL Suzanne is a National Board Certified Teacher with 22 years of classroom experience, and a mentor and trainer in several science and technology professional development programs. She has been recognized for her innovative teaching approach with the Science Zoo Magnet, which has included utilizing research abroad, technology, and hands-on opportunities with animals at the Miami Dade Zoo.
	Mara Cawein Clinical Instructor University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR Mara is a National Board Certified Teacher with 14 years of classroom experience that includes teaching mathematics at Morrilton High School and education at the University of Central Arkansas. During her education career, she has served as a local and national volunteer for KDP, presented seminars, and served as a volunteer leader for the Arkansas Association for Professional Teaching. She also has assisted facilitating the Arkansas Department of Education program on nontraditional licensure program models.
	Dr. Madeline Kovarik Assistant Professor of Education Rollins College, Winter Park, FL During her academic career at Rollins College, Madeline has served as an advisor and national volunteer for KDP, participated on the Regional Board of Odyssey of the Mind, and volunteered on the Brevard County Public Schools Professional Development Council.
	Crystal Mallett English Teacher Pineville High School, Pineville, LA A three-year educator, Crystal has a master’s degree in education from Northwestern Louisiana State University. She has served as Pineville’s representative to IMAC training, which educates and trains teachers to be mentors and coaches for technology innovations. She was instrumental in developing curriculum guidelines for her school’s English Language Honors and Gifted Program.
	Brenda Mescher Mathematics Teacher St. Joseph Middle School, Battle Creek, MI Brenda graduated from Ball State University (IN) and has four years of classroom experience. As a beginning teacher, she applied for and secured a grant to fund Texas Instrument calculators to be used in conjunctions with her school’s TI-Navigator system. Because of her success, she went on to present workshops on her experience at numerous universities, intermediate school districts, and other schools throughout the Midwest.
	Lisa N. Mitchell Lecturer, Department of Art Appalachian State University, Boone, NC A National Board Certified Teacher in early and middle childhood art, Lisa has 15 years of experience in the classroom, teaching students from kindergarten to college. During her career, she has been an active board member of the North Carolina Art Education Association, assisted the Department of Public Instruction in creating state standards for visual arts teachers, and supported education and the arts by participating in local, state, and national organizations.
	Janice L. Reyes Lead 8th-Grade Teacher Lee Middle School, Sharpsburg, GA Janice has five years of classroom experience and a masters’ degree in middle school education from Brenau University. During her education career, she has served as a local volunteer for Relay for Life, was active in starting the Lee Middle School PTA, and applied for a Bright Ideas grant for math and literature. She also has assisted her school in implementing Georgia Performance Standards.
	Stacey Shubitz Fourth-Grade Teacher The Learning Community, Central Falls, RI After a career change from public relations to education, Stacey taught in East Harlem for three years before moving to her current public charter school. In her first few years in the classroom, Stacey secured more than $30,000 in funds for classroom and instructional supplies, field trips, and special programming through her proposals on DonorsChoose.org. In addition to the writing programs she has implemented and taught in her classrooms, Stacey also has led school literacy programs that earned her recognition among her peers as a leader in upper-grade literacy instruction. She has published several articles for Instructor Magazine and coauthored the 2007 book, DEAL WITH IT! Powerful Words from Smart, Young Women.
	Jennifer Wilson Lead 3rd-Grade Teacher Grant Ranch School, Littleton, CO Named 2006 Disney Outstanding Elementary School Teacher, Jennifer has 18 years of experience in the classroom in both Colorado and Texas. In addition to teaching, she has served as a local volunteer Read-A-Thon coordinator, providing books to Colorado Homeless Families, a nonprofit transitional housing program. Jennifer received a grant from Xcel Energy to share instructional materials she developed with other Denver-area teachers and has attended professional development workshops through the Denver Public School Literacy Program.