MISSOULA –
State educators and community partners were honored at the 2012 Partnership and Scholarship Recognition Reception hosted April 27 by The University of Montana’s Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences.
About 380 professionals, students and guests attended the event in the University Center Ballroom to recognize educational partners who collaborate with the University and the College of Education and Human Sciences in the preparation of future professionals. Student scholarship recipients also were recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments.
Tammy Hurley, a social studies and reading teacher at Fred Moodry Middle School in Anaconda, received the 2012 Maryfrances Shreeve Award for Teaching Excellence. The award was presented by Jean’ne Shreeve, daughter of the award’s namesake.
The Maryfrances Shreeve Award was created in 1992 by Jean’ne Shreeve and her brother, William, to honor their mother, a UM graduate who taught with distinction around western Montana. Maryfrances Shreeve was the first award recipient. Since then, the award has brought deserved attention to exemplary Montana educators.
Hurley has been an educator for more than 11 years. She received an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Montana Western. She received a master’s degree in technology from Walden University. She is described by Anaconda School District administrators, faculty and staff as a dedicated, enthusiastic, creative, inspirational teacher, mentor and leader. She was nominated for the award by Fred Moodry Middle School Principal Sue Meredith.
The 2012 Marlene Bachmann Student Teaching Award went to Marti Alltucker, who exhibited outstanding pedagogical and professional skills that reflect Bachmann’s standards and dedication to the field. Alltucker completed her student teaching field experience at Sentinel High School, working with business and information technology students. Cooperating teacher Cindy Schultz and University supervisor Lynn Stocking jointly nominated Alltucker.
Bruce Whitehead, principal at Hellgate Intermediate School, received the Educational Leadership Excellence Award. Whitehead was recognized for his contributions to education through vision and action. He provides continued support to educational leaders and is a valued colleague in the College of Education and Human Sciences.
The Health and Human Sciences Partnership Award went to Tim Messer of Active Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Center in Missoula, an affiliated clinical site for UM athletic training program. Messer was recognized for his consistently receptive and accommodating partnership in the preparation of UM’s health and human performance students.
Nancy Jo Connell and Eve Tolbert received the Communicative Sciences and Disorders Partnership Award for their commitment to providing clinical experiences for UM students.
Connell, a UM graduate in the first speech pathology program, specializes in early childhood and is dedicated to the joy of working with young children.
Tolbert supervises graduate students in speech and language therapy, as well as audiological services at Ronan Hospital. The setting provides a unique experience with a wide range of clients from infants to geriatrics.
The Counselor Education Partnership Award was awarded to Jana Staton.
Staton has served as a trainer, supervisor, instructor and co-author of research and training grants. In addition, she has created a curriculum for psychoeducational groups offered as lab experiences in counselor education.
Mandy Smoker-Broaddus received the Institute of Educational Research and Service Partnership Award. Smoker-Broaddus serves as school transformation director in the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She has worked with the Promise Initiative to support schools with the lowest achievement scores in the state.
The Partnership Award in Curriculum and Instruction went to the faculty of DeSmet School for their continued commitment to the preparation of future teachers.
Beginning spring 2012, DeSmet welcomed and supported students in a pilot clinical model of field experience in which UM future teacher candidates serve three to four semesters of field experience at the same school site. This extended model allows students to gain additional experience working with students in grades K-8. The award was accepted by Shelly Andres on behalf of the faculty and staff of DeSmet School.
Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns was recognized with the Montana Digital Academy’s Partnership Award. Stearns was an original member of the academy’s Governing Board formed in 2009 and has supported and encouraged in the development and implementation of Montana’s statewide online K-12 program.
Fifty-one students were recognized as scholarship recipients for their outstanding accomplishments. This year, the college awarded a record $146,568 to deserving students, including eleven new scholarships made possible by the generosity of private donors and a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation.
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