Kappa Delta Pi

Congratulations to these esteemed educators who were awarded KDP’s Teacher of Honor designation!

Teacher of Honor recipients are practicing educators with three or more years of professional experience who demonstrate commitment to continuous professional growth and integrity in the classroom.

Learn more about this distinguished award and criteria.

See past recipients

2010 Teacher of Honor

2009 Teacher of Honor

2008 Teacher of Honor

2011 Recipients

Lisa S. Bircher
Honors Biology and Anatomy Teacher
East Palestine City Schools
East Palestine, OH
Mrs. Bircher is a high school science teacher and current doctoral student. She has conducted many presentations regarding doctoral student and science issues, and several of her manuscripts have been published. She is respected by both students and colleagues for her teaching quality and effective lesson planning. Mrs. Bircher’s students enjoy a high-level, enthusiastic, lighthearted classroom atmosphere. She has been praised for expanding her contributions outside the classroom, too, as a scholarship committee member and advisor to several student groups.

Steven A. Brigham II
Social Studies Instructor
Golden City Middle/High School
Golden City, MO
During Mr. Brigham’s years of teaching, leadership has been a key area of focus for him, and he has worked diligently at refining his leadership and communication skills. He has been recognized for directing an initiative for his school district to implement best practices for becoming a Professional Learning Community. With his abilities for both teaching and coaching athletics, Mr. Brigham has quickly earned the respect of his colleagues for his positive contributions to the school environment.

Dr. Cheron N. Hunter
Assistant Professor, Reading Education
Troy University Phenix City Campus
Phenix City, AL
Dr. Hunter began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Opelika City Schools in Alabama. She later turned her focus to graduate research on multicultural children’s literature, earning her doctorate in 2010. At Troy University, she teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in elementary and early childhood education and serves as a student advisor. When she is not teaching or researching, she can be found participating in several service projects on campus.

Dr. Guoli Liang
Professor, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Whitewater, WI
For more than 20 years, in both China and the United States, Dr. Liang has taught a variety of courses in the areas of physical education, motor development, and sports. However, he is revered as much for his enthusiasm and passion for the Chinese culture and language as he is for his teaching ability. His colleagues and students, and even the entire community, have benefited from his efforts to teach the language, advocate for international students, and provide leadership both in the classroom and out.

Dr. Regina Mistretta
Associate Professor/Program Coordinator
St. John’s University School of Education
Staten Island, NY
Dr. Mistretta’s teaching career spans the elementary, high school, and college levels. She has taught education and mathematics and is a champion for parental involvement and collaboration. She is also known for recruiting and mentoring highly talented faculty and being innovative in preparing students for 21st century teaching. She has secured resources for technologically advanced facilities and developed an internship program with the surrounding community. Dr. Mistretta is beloved by students and emulated by faculty alike for her passion, graciousness, and leadership.

Dr. Mary Napoli
Assistant Professor, Reading and Children’s Literature
Penn State Harrisburg
Harrisburg, PA
Dr. Napoli is a professor of teaching methods and educational research, specializing in children’s literature. Her research into the role of children’s literature in their educational development has been widely published. She is known for integrating lively, interactive teaching methods into her own classrooms and is often praised by her students for the personal attention and encouragement she gives them.

Thomas Northfell
Elementary School Teacher
Sonora Elementary, Springdale, AR
Using innovative teaching practices and willingly sharing his time outside school hours, Tom Northfell has earned admiration and respect from both students and fellow teachers. From his “crazy science professor” persona portrayed on the school’s broadcast system, to his many after-school initiatives, Northfell has helped numerous students, many of whom speak English as a second language, reach their full potential. The former long-time Chicago Police Captain is known for offering his own time to tutor or mentor students and faculty.

Bonnie Robb
K–5 Math Achievement Coordinator
Portland Public Schools
Portland, OR
Bonnie Robb has served Portland Public Schools since 1998, including 10 years as a first-grade teacher at Clark Elementary/Harrison Park School. She has worked with many children from impoverished backgrounds and for whom English is a second language, and a unique visual-learning curriculum she developed has improved literacy and communication skills among those populations. Currently, Robb works with Portland Public Schools to standardize and improve their math curriculum.

Lisa L. Rollins, Ph.D.
Chairwoman and Assistant Professor, Department of Communication
Langston University, Langston, OK
With a background in public relations and journalism, Dr. Rollins brings a vast range of knowledge about the communications field to her students. Known as a selfless mentor, her dedication to students includes providing them real-world experiences, such as launching a magazine for which students can write articles and a public relations firm that represents real clients. Dr. Rollins has worked extensively as a PR professional, especially within the entertainment industry.

Dr. Julia Schroeder
Vice President for Instruction/Professor of Mathematics and Physics
John A. Logan College, Carterville, Illinois
As an innovator, leader, mentor, and professor, Dr. Schroeder has impacted both her educational community and the southern Illinois area. She spearheaded efforts to implement the College’s first online degree program, created a mentoring program for adjunct professors, and continues to develop innovative methods for course delivery. Most importantly, though, she is highly regarded as a caring, inspiring, and commanding, educator.

Melanie Shaw, Ph.D.
Director of Curriculum Development, Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, AZ
Dr. Shaw’s commitment to education has spanned teaching, counseling, and administrative positions and elementary through graduate level students. She is known especially for her online education initiatives: developing courses, overseeing curricula, and mentoring and advising both faculty and students. She is a prolific writer, reviewer, researcher, and presenter and a founding member of KDP’s virtual chapter Alpha Delta Epsilon, where she has served in many roles and mentors its members.

Krystine Shea
Language Arts Teacher
Avon Lake High School, OH
Known as a leader, lifelong learner, skillful communicator, and overall exemplary teacher, Shea is highly regarded by students, fellow teachers, and administrators alike. For five consecutive years, she has been nominated by her honors students and selected as the district’s Teacher of Excellence—which designates her as an “educator who has had a special impact on a student’s life.” In her work as a teacher mentor, group advisor, and curriculum writer, Shea consistently shows a willingness to learn and grow, and she always strives to benefit the school.

Dr. Barbara Siew Swan Hong
Associate Professor of Special Education
The Pennsylvania State University–Altoona College
Altoona, PA
Dr. Hong teaches undergraduate through doctoral level special education courses, is a Fulbright Scholar at Qatar University and the First Honorable Visiting Scholar at the Taipei Municipal University of Education, and she serves as Counselor of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Chapter. Her research writings have appeared in scholarly journals such as International Journal of World Universities Forum and International Journal of Leadership of Knowledge, Culture, and Change Management, and she is a consultant for Singapore’s Ministry of Education. According to colleagues, Dr. Hong consistently demonstrates her commitment to student success and to modeling high academic, professional, and personal values.

Kerrie Lee Slaton
Health, Physical Education, and Computer Literacy Teacher
Jefferson Community School, New Orleans, LA
A teacher in physical education and computer literacy for nearly 30 years, Slaton has been instrumental in advancing technology in her school for all curriculum areas, while also successfully writing several grants. A Committee Chair for Positive Behavior Intervention Support and a Promethean Training Liaison to the faculty, Ms. Slaton is known for her positive classroom management and generosity with her time and talents.

Catherine Spung
Learning Behavior Specialist
Chrisman Elementary School/Edgar County CUSD #6
Chrisman, IL
Since Mrs. Spung began teaching special education students in 2005, she has worked tirelessly to influence their whole lives in a positive manner. Her creative lessons—using an interactive white board for virtual field trips around the world, as well as role playing with the solar system and water cycle—coupled with her high expectations allow students of varying abilities to learn and succeed. She is known for her innovative ways and selfless devotion, which has expanded outside her classroom to influence the quality of learning in the whole school.

Dr. Kelley Jo Walters
Ed.D. Program Director, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Involved in a variety of higher education settings for much of her career, Dr. Walters has worked with faculty training and development, grant coordination, curriculum development, doctoral dissertation advising, and most especially, leadership and teaching in the online environment. For close to 20 years, she has been known for making personal the inherently remote nature of online education by mentoring and communicating with students and working closely with other faculty. She has taught both graduate and undergraduate online courses.

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.

Bonita L. Berryman-Gilliam, Psy.D.
Social Sciences Instructor
University of Phoenix
Schaumburg, IL
Dr. Berryman-Gilliam not only teaches social sciences, but also models the ideals of that discipline. Her interest in social justice and African-American history has led her to conduct a number of research studies and to present at national and international conferences. She helped develop courses on multicultural psychology for the University of Phoenix, where she teaches. Her colleagues at the University of Phoenix describe her as a valued and respected educator.

Apryl Renee Brown, M.D.
Biology Professor
Wayne County Community College District
Detroit, MI
Apryl Renee Brown’s passion for health has driven her career not only as a leader in public health initiatives in Detroit, but also as a public health educator. She knows the impact health education and access can mean to both individuals and the community, and works to impart that knowledge and passion to her students at WCCC.

Jacqueline L. Cahill, Ph.D.
K–12 Online Learning Specialist
Douglas County School District
Castle Rock, CO
Beginning her teaching at Douglas County School District in 2006, Cahill has specialized in the district’s online learning programs since 2008, including its online resource rooms, online classes, alternative licensing program, and instruction for the ever-advancing edge in electronic tools available to enhance education and learning. She earned her doctorate in E-Learning Education from North Central University and was a summa cum laude Master’s graduate in Curriculum and Instruction at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Reynaldo L. Duran, M.A.T.
Mathematics Teacher
Presidio High School, Presidio, TX
Reynaldo L. Duran loves mathematics and is determined to impart that love to his students. Prior to coming to the United States from the Philippines, he coached mathematics and population quiz teams that challenged students to compete against other students of achievement. He participated in the Visiting International Faculty (VIF) Program where he served as an educator and cultural ambassador in North Carolina for three years. He continues that work in Texas as a valued member of the faculty at Presidio High School.

Janet Eggleston, M.A.
Special Education Teacher, Intervention Specialist
P.A.C.E. High School, Cincinnati, OH
Janet Eggleston is a teacher who is not willing to give up on any student—and she reflects that in her commitment to alternative secondary education for students who have dropped out, or not succeeded in other school settings. For the past eight years, Eggleston has worked to meet the needs of students who are making a second try at educational success. She always goes the extra mile, according to Geri L. Perrino, P.A.C.E.’s Director of Special Education. A highly qualified intervention specialist, Eggleston’s academic focus is on special education.

Thomas P. Flood
Guidance Counselor
Burlington County Institute of Technology
Westhampton, NJ
While Thomas P. Flood’s work now centers on counseling students as they navigate their current educational pursuits and plan future efforts, he remains a teacher at heart. Flood started out as a classroom instructor and continues to work closely with students and teachers to ensure access to quality educational opportunities for all students.

Rita Guzman
K–5 ESL Teacher, Valley View School District
Romeoville, IL
It’s expected that students who have English as a second language will get instruction to help improve their reading, writing, and speaking language skills. But Rita Guzman has not limited her efforts to just those areas. She also insists on involving students and their parents in language learning and engaging the entire school in opportunities to increase and appreciate cultural diversity.

SoYoung Kang, PhD
Assistant Professor of Education
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA
The old saying goes, “it takes one to know one.” And good teachers know other good teachers. Dr. Kang’s colleagues and students are unanimous in their praise for her ability to teach meaningful foundational, ELL, and honors classes to current and future teachers studying at Westminster College.

John Krenik
Art Teacher, Grades 6–8
Nauset Regional Middle School
Orleans, MA
A veteran art educator and an accomplished artist, Krenik has been bringing his passion for art to the classroom as a K–12 teacher for the past 30 years, the last 23 at Nauset Regional Middle School. Recognized at the regional and national levels for both his teaching and artistry, Krenik is National Board Certified, a Massachusetts Master Teacher, Massachusetts Middle School Art Educator of the Year, and Fellow in Massachusetts Teacher Leadership Academy.

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.

LeAnn M. Morris
Technology Teacher
Empire Elementary School
Carson City, NV
Nevada’s 2008 “Teacher of the Year” is also a Kappa Delta Pi Teacher of Honor. Recognized many times for her expertise in making technology accessible and understandable to students of varying ages, LeAnn Morris epitomizes the dedicated teacher that parents hope their children encounter. A Carson City, NV teacher since 1994, she is a student herself, completing her Ph.D. in Educational Technology.

Chance O. Nalley
Mathematics Teacher
Columbia Secondary School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering
New York, NY
Already recognized by Math of America as one of America’s “Master Teachers,” Chance O. Nalley is described by parents, students, and colleagues as an extraordinary teacher. Committed to imparting the sometimes difficult and challenging lessons of mathematics to his students, Nalley also has helped broaden the social and community experiences of his students.

Henry Oh, Ph.D.
Director and Professor, Respiratory Therapy Program
San Juan College, School of Health Sciences, Farmington, NM
Henry Oh is not only dedicated to the education of his students, but also knows that their success depends on their commitment to the health and safety of patients needing respiratory care. A registered respiratory therapist (RCT), Dr. Oh brings his passion for education and health care to his classroom every day, as well as to his work among his colleagues in the New Mexico State Society of American Medical Technologists, which he serves as president.

Phyllis T. Pacilli, Ph.D.
Mathematics Teacher, Boca Raton Community High School
Mathematics Instructor, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Described by her colleagues as “creative, concise, and clever,” Dr. Phyllis Pacilli works hard to integrate technology, science, and mathematics into real-world applications—whether she’s teaching her high school students or her college-age teacher education students. Her far-reaching impact in the education community includes encouraging her students to desire to seek excellence and to grow their intellectual curiosity.

Diane D. Painter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Special Education
Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA
In the effort to ensure a bright future for education, Diane Painter plays a critical role. U.S. Labor Department projections indicate a continued growing need for special education teachers in America’s schools. Dr. Painter brings her love of students and her more than two decades of experience as a classroom teacher and researcher to the preparation of the next generation of special education teachers.

Barbara Ruth Peltzman, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Field Experience,
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.

Rhoda M. Samkoff
Strategies Intervention Teacher
South Mountain School
Millburn, NJ
As a strategies intervention teacher, Rhoda Samkoff cares not only what students learn, but how they learn. She is widely respected for her expertise in designing and applying effective teaching strategies. Ms. Samkoff shares techniques with teachers and students alike to ensure meaningful instruction. She has taught at both the elementary and college levels. According to Ms. Samkoff, “Successful teaching and learning is based on a tripod of goals; independence, self-motivation, and pride.” In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Samkoff is the founder and advisor of one of the nation’s leading student councils. She has authored the book In a Class of Your Own: Essential Strategies for the New K-6 Teacher (Corwin Press, August 2010).

Karen A. Shearer, EdD
First Grade Teacher
Eastbrook Elementary School
Winter Park, FL
A 2011 Semi-Finalist for “Teacher of the Year” in Seminole County, Florida, Dr. Shearer is described by her colleagues as a compassionate and articulate teacher and person. Her principal notes that she “teaches students to be all they can be and more!”

Eloise D. Stewart
Resource & Inclusion Specialist
Fernbrook Elementary School
Randolph, NJ
After more than two decades in the classroom, Eloise Stewart is showing no signs of slowing down. Currently a doctoral candidate in teaching leadership, she provides daily leadership in her classroom for children with a variety of special needs. Described as a compassionate leader who craves new knowledge, Stewart remains close to her students and their goals of achieving at their highest level possible.

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.

Stephanie B. Weltz
Spanish Teacher, Battery Creek High School
Beaufort, SC
A hard-working teacher in the classroom, Stephanie Weltz understands that a foreign language can be difficult to learn and requires extra effort—thus, she willingly tutors her students outside of class time. A self-professed “technology geek,” Weltz also prides herself on introducing the value of technology to her instruction and that of her colleagues at Battery Creek High School.

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.