UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The coronavirus pandemic may have halted the College of Education’s in-person events such as the annual spring appreciation and awards luncheon, but that hasn’t prevented the college’s outstanding achievers from being recognized for their accomplishments.
Faculty, staff and students who have made significant contributions to their fields were selected through nomination letters prompted by their outstanding service and dedication to their job.
Uju Anya, assistant professor of second language learning, earned the College of Education’s Outstanding Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty mentor who demonstrates teaching excellence, shows respect to all students as individuals and creates an environment conducive to learning.
Gerald LeTendre, professor of education in the Department of Education Policy Studies, is the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Researcher Award. This award recognizes the overall impact of one’s research and typically is given to a faculty member who has achieved national and international recognition.
Jennifer Frank, assistant professor of education (special education), was honored with the Outstanding Junior Researcher Award, which typically recognizes the significance of a particular contribution to the research literature. Frank is a junior faculty member with joint appointments in the school psychology and special education programs within the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling and Special Education.
Simon Hooper, professor of education (learning, design, and technology) in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems, is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award. His research focuses on design, design thinking and novel uses of technology for learning and instruction.
The winner of the Climate Enhancement Award is JT Taylor, associate professor in special education. This award recognizes contributions to the pursuit of the College of Education’s diversity agenda. Taylor’s research interests include science education for students with disabilities; evaluating innovative classroom practices; and bullying issues with autism, learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders.
Megan Foster, an academic adviser in the College of Education’s Advising and Certification Center, is one of two people who earned the Outstanding Staff Award. This award recognizes the accomplishments of a staff member in the College of Education for outstanding service and commitment to faculty, staff and students of the Penn State community.
The other winner of the Outstanding Staff Award is Darlene Kolesar, an administrative support assistant in the Center for Science and the Schools.
Several other award winner swill be announced in the next two weeks.