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UE Education Students Recognized by IACTE

Evansville, IN (04/21/2020) — Three University of Evansville education students have received Outstanding Future Educator awards for their performance as education majors at UE.

Each year the Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (IACTE) recognizes outstanding future teachers from universities across the state. Faculty members nominate students from each specialized field (elementary, secondary, and special education), and then vote on the top candidate from each field. The top candidates each receive a certificate of excellence.

This year, recipients from the University of Evansville are seniors Louis Kersh, special education major from Indianapolis, IN; Brett Weinzapfel, biology education major from Mt. Vernon, IN; and Megan Hawkins, elementary education major from Shoals, IN.

These individuals were selected by the School of Education faculty for their accomplishments throughout their education programs and for their exceptional promise as future classroom teachers.

Dr. Lisa Hale, assistant professor of education, noted, "Megan Hawkins is an educator who will help students achieve their dreams. She is a strong advocate for children and an ambassador of kindness. A lifelong learner, her work in the teaching profession will serve as an inspiration for others."

"It is rare to find so many outstanding qualities in one candidate," stated Dr. Mary Lombardo-Graves, assistant professor of education." Louis Kersh is dedicated, compassionate, kind, and truly knowledgeable about the best practices in teaching. He always has the students' well-being in mind and carefully plans to meet the needs of all learners."

"Since he was a freshman, Brett Weinzapfel has been focused on his goal of becoming a high school biology teacher," said Dr. George Iber, associate professor of education. "Always responsible and organized, he focused on the students, delivered great lessons, reflected on how he could make the teaching and learning more effective and all the while continued to complete his demanding work in the biology department. He will certainly be a valuable teacher wherever he is hired."

Photo: Megan Hawkins, Louis Kersh, Brett Weinzapfel

Students at the University of Evansville shape powerful and enduring change. UE is the first in Indiana to be designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, and its changemaking culture empowers students to improve the world around them as UE Changemakers. With over 80 majors in the arts and sciences and pre-professional programs, UE's diverse student body represents 44 states and 52 countries. U.S. News & World Report recognizes UE as the #6 Best College in the Midwest among private schools. For more information, please visit www.evansville.edu