News

Valerie Bridson

Steve Mertens

Hedda Meadan-Kaplansky

College of Education staff and faculty honored with awards

The following individuals in the College of Education were honored for their service to the University at the 2011 Founder's Day Convocation on February 17, 2011.

Bridson honored with Civil Service Council's Distinguished Service Award

Valerie Bridson, office support specialist in the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center, is the 2011 recipient of the Civil Service Council's Distinguished Service Award. Bridson was of only two recipients campus-wide to receive the prestigious accolade.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor in which a staff member can receive at Illinois State. Recipients excel in their contributions and dedication to work, the university, and the community. Bridson's exceptional contribution to the Lauby Teacher Education Center includes her work with the Special Education Department Clinical Experiences.

Mertens honored with Research Initiative Award

Steve Mertens, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is the recipient of the prestigious Research Initiative Award. Mertens was of only six recipients campus-wide to receive the prestigious accolade.

The Research Initiative Award is bestowed upon faculty members who have showcased a promising research agenda early in their academic careers. Tenure-track faculty are honored only if they have taught for five years or less in their respected fields. Recipients excel in current research in their field, and demonstrate potential for making further significant contributions. Mertens’ exceptional performance in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction includes his work with Middle Level Teacher Education preparation and research of international education of adolescents.

Meadan-Kaplansky honored with CTLT's Teaching Initiative Award

Hedda Meadan-Kaplansky, assistant professor in the Department of Special Education, is the recipient of the Center for Teaching and Learning Technology's Teaching Initiative Award. Meadan-Kaplansky was of only four recipients campus-wide to receive the prestigious accolade.

The Teaching Initiative Award is given to teachers who demonstrate exceptional instruction early on in their careers. The peer-nominated process honors recipients who excel in contributions and dedication to their teaching. Meadan-Kaplansky's exceptional contribution to the Special Education department includes her instruction of both undergraduate and graduate classes, and research agenda of communication and social behavior of individuals with disabilities.