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UD Lab Preschool teachers win Governor's Awards |
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Two University of Delaware Laboratory Preschool teachers have been awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education. Tara Sutton, master teacher and clinic faculty member, received a first-place award. Describing Sutton’s work with her children, parent Terri Merritt said, “When you are looking for excellence in early care and education, you have to look no further than Tara Sutton.” Laura Morris, master teacher and clinic faculty member, received a second-place award. Ed Broadbelt, whose son was one of Morris’ students, said, “All that we had hoped for him has happened as a result of Laura’s persistence, in-depth knowledge, caring and understanding who he is and how to bring him along. We will be forever grateful.” Sutton and Morris are teachers at UD’s Laboratory Preschool, a nationally accredited model early education program, which was the recipient of a first-place Governor’s Award for Excellence in 2001. Housed in Alison Hall, the preschool was founded in 1934 to provide developmental programs for children and families and to teach UD students to work with young children through observation and practicum experiences. The preschool provides opportunities for students and early childhood professionals to observe exemplary teachers and programs. It also serves as a research site for students and faculty. The teachers were nominated by Alice Eyman, director of UD’s Laboratory Preschool, and by several UD students and parents of children at the preschool. Lauren Ginsberg of New York City, a former student teacher at the preschool, called Morris “the most effective mentor and teacher I have ever known.’’ Kim Tiger, whose son was one of Morris’ students, said Morris was able to turn any situation into a safe and comfortable learning experience, even that day when a hawk caught a squirrel, landed on the playground and began eating. Instead of pretending nothing happened, Morris took photos and used them for a group discussion in the class. Each parent received a letter from her with pictures and comments from the children. “Laura has a wonderful way of making almost any experience an opportunity for learning and growth,’’ Tiger said. “I only wish I could attend the lab preschool myself.” Eyman said Morris commits many hours of her time to building strong relationships with her students’ families—telephone conversations, formal and informal parent conferences, e-mails, evening meetings and a one-page weekly curriculum sheet. At the end of each school year, Eyman said, each of the parents receive a bound play journal from Morris documenting their child’s year in words and photos. In nominating Sutton, parents Deirdre and Dewey Lilly wrote,“ Through her careful observations and interactions with each child in the class, she was able to truly understand each child’s individual personality and abilities. Her insights of Colin were wonderful. She provided us with another set of eyes in which to see our son.’’ Eyman, in her nomination, said, "Sutton has a passion for teaching toddlers and great skill in making children and parents feel welcome and cared for in what is often their first school experience. She welcomes children with special needs and supports parents in working through the complex discussions of developmental milestones and how to access supports for their child. Tara plans and implements a wonderful, multifaceted, integrated curriculum." Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner presented the awards to Sutton and Morris on Thursday, Sept. 23, in Dover. Contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, or e-mail [mbugua@udel.edu] |
