Marymount University’s School of Education is renowned for fostering a dedicated community of dynamic teacher-scholars who are not only experts in the field, but also passionate and innovative educators who create learning experiences that ensure all succeed. Last month, five star students from the Education program were recognized for their incredible promise to live up to that mission during the 19th annual Teachers of Promise Institute, held at the Thomas R. Fulghum Conference Center in Midlothian, Va.
Established in 2004, the Teachers of Promise Institute – a teacher-led and teacher-created organization – identifies and recognizes the best prospective teachers from colleges and universities across Virginia. Marymount’s group of honorees this year included Luz Andrade, Courtney Berry, Roman Carlitti, Caroline Criqui and Shane Warren, who were all accompanied by Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor of Special Education, at the event.
“The School of Education is so proud of its past and current honorees, who strongly represent Marymount and move forward to make a difference in countless lives through the classroom,” said Dr. Lisa Turissini, Director of Marymount’s School of Education. “We salute our Teacher of Promise honorees for their passion, dedication and commitment to the field of education.”
During the two-day Institute, the five honorees from Marymount had the opportunity to connect with their assigned mentors and engage in conversations to explore every teacher’s potential to make an impact, as well as connect with other attendees and honorees from other higher education institutions. They also attended workshops led by distinguished presenters that included past recipients of the Milken Educator Award (Stephanie Bishop, Dr. Alex Carter, Baruti Kafele) and inductees to the National Teachers Hall of Fame (Kim Bearden, Wade Whitehead), who shared their experiences and wisdom in order to enhance the pedagogy skills of both new and veteran educators in the audience.
“The Teacher of Promise award solidified my passion for teaching and making a difference in all of my students’ lives,” said Caroline Criqui, who is specializing in Special Education at Marymount. “It’s such an honor and privilege to receive this award and to be a teacher.”
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Teacher of Promise recipient,” added Courtney Berry, who is on the Elementary Education track. “Attending this Institute allowed me to meet, network and learn from nationally renowned educators. This two-day experience also afforded me the opportunity to absorb a lifetime of lessons, advice and guidance. I am forever grateful!”
