Book Presentation Honors Three Promoted Faculty in SOE
It's a tradition that began back in 2002. Every time professors who teach education majors receive promotions, they're also asked to choose a book that has had special meaning in their lives.
Once those books are purchased in their honor, the professors present those books to the Education Resource Center and explain why the book means so much to them.
Marika Ginsburg-Block, Nancy Lavigne and Chrystalla Mouza are the newest School of Education faculty to take part in this tradition. They were all promoted to Associate Professor back in the spring of 2009.
At a reception in early October, these recently promoted professors shared what books influenced and changed their lives.
Ginsburg-Block chose Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein. She says she received the book from her parents when it was first published in 1974, and it has remained her favorite book to this day.
"The poem and title of the book are a wonderful metaphor for life's transitions and this important juncture in my career," shared Ginsburg-Block. "What will tenure bring? I've been looking forward to smelling that peppermint wind for a while!"
Lavigne decided on Anatomy of the Spirit, by Caroline Myss. Lavigne says the book really helped her pay attention to her own mind-body connection.
"In particular, I learned how emotions, stress and attitudes affect specific areas of the body and how pains in these areas can suggest what's going on emotionally," Lavigne explained. "The book helped me take better care of myself and to appreciate the complexity of 'being.'"
Mouza chose the Handbook of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Educators, edited by the AACTE Committee on Innovation and Technology.
"My research both shaped and has been shaped by the work reported in this book, making it possible for me to earn tenure," Mouza said.
Margaret Dillner, Director of the Delaware Center for Teacher Education, began this tradition at the University of Delaware after reading about a similar practice at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
"I love the fact that the book choices are always wide-ranging," said Dillner. Because she includes all faculty members who teach education majors in this tradition, book contributors have included faculty from departments like music, history and mathematics, as well as from the SOE.
"We've had children's and young adult books, the King James Bible, scholarly books, and other adult books that have meant something very special at a particular time in a person's life," said Dillner.
A notation will be made on the bookplate inside the books as well as in the online catalog. These three books, along with last years’ book choices are currently on display in the ERC.
