The Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) held its third annual Recognition Ceremony on October 4, 2016, at The Holiday Inn, World’s Fair Park in Knoxville. This event recognizes individuals, who through outstanding contributions of time, service and expertise are “making a difference” in the field of education and interpreting. The ceremony preceded the annual Billie Grace Goodrich Lecture by keynote speaker Dr. Johnnetta Cole. TPTE faculty, staff and doctoral students were recognized for their accomplishments, including promotions and external awards. Faculty and student awards as well as awards to selected members of the educational community were presented.
The TPTE Teaching Award was presented to Yujeong Park and the TPTE Service Award was presented to Chonika Coleman-King and Kristin Rearden. A TPTE Graduate Student Research Award was presented to Sara Demoiny (Teacher Education/Social Science); her major advisor is Dr. Stewart Waters. Two of Dr. David Cihak’s advisees (Byungkeon Kim and Kelly Kraiss (Special Education/Deaf Education/Interpreter Education) also received Graduate Student Research Awards.
Recognition awards were presented in three categories: TPTE Outstanding Alumnus/a, TPTE Outstanding Collaborator, and TPTE Outstanding Community Advocate.
The TPTE Outstanding Alumnus/a Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of education and/ or interpreting as indicated by one or more of the following: dedicated and distinguished teaching or interpreting; distinguished record of scholarship or creativity; and distinguished record of outreach and service in education and/or interpreting. The recipients for 2016 were Dr. Tammy Bowlin (Jefferson County Schools); Ms. Michel Swafford (Tennessee School for the Deaf), and Dr. Elaine Vaughan (Oak Ridge Schools).
The TPTE Outstanding Collaborator Award is given to a professional educator or interpreter with a distinguished history of collaboration with faculty, students and staff within TPTE. A TPTE Outstanding Collaborator has made extraordinary commitments of time and expertise to support the preparation of effective and caring teachers, interpreters, and/or scholars in PreK–12 education and/ or interpreting. The recipients for 2016 were Dr. Tracy McAbee (principal, Benton Elementary School), Ms. Sallee Reynolds (principal, Hardin Valley Academy), and Ms. Gale Stanley (Campbell County Schools).
The TPTE Outstanding Community Advocate Award is given to an individual with a distinguished history of advocacy for PreK–12 teachers and students and/or interpreters. A TPTE Community Advocate has made outstanding contributions as indicated by one or more of the following: a record of diligent effort to further the goal of access for all to quality education or interpreting services essential to a thriving and just democracy; a strong record of civic-minded activities that support the tireless work of striving and caring teachers and/ or interpreters; and a recognized leader in advocacy on behalf of children/adolescents by working to improve equal and fair opportunities for all. The recipients for 2016 were Senator Lamar Alexander, Ms. Bobbie Beckman (Speech Pathology Services of East TN) and Ms. Patti Bounds (Knox County School Board, teacher).
The TPTE Recognition Ceremony is a function of the TPTE Council, which is comprised of civic-minded individuals deeply committed to the ideal that quality education is essential for a thriving and just democracy. Please consider joining the Council. Learn more at on the TPTE website’s giving page.