Regional EIE Award Recipients Share Thoughts on Learning

Absolute belief in the potential of their students is the shared belief of the seven recipients of the regional Excellence in Education (EIE) award. At her regional conference, each received $1,000 for “educational purposes, materials, course work or to enhance professional education.” One will receive $5,000 at the International Convention in Kansas City in July.

The award aims to “recognize active educators for outstanding contributions in education.” The scholarship program was recommended by a report of the Special Scholarship Study Committee in 1966.

Here are excerpts from the applications' personal, professional development and impact statements of the regional recipients.

Gulf: Karen Robertson, LA Alpha Sigma

Karen is the 2022 Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year. "As a school principal, I realize that a school’s culture can greatly influence the faculty morale, the behavior of the students, the school’s academic performance and the community’s perspective of the school. Each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, academically, physically and socially. Educational leadership provides me the opportunity to promote continual learning and growth in both my teachers and students. I offered professional development on teaching virtually. I created a technology team to deliver professional development using Google Suite. My school became the first in the district to have all of its faculty Google Classroom certified. Maintaining a positive growth-minded school culture propelled teachers and students towards overcoming obstacles and achieving success.”

North Central: Annette Card, MI Alpha Sigma

Annette has been in the classroom for 32 years and is a special education teacher. She believes “that every student is entitled to quality education. I create a classroom environment that does not focus on competition but on meeting individual goals and building relationships with each other. Teachers need to continue to grow as learners to survive teaching, our world is constantly changing, and we need to adapt to those changes. I am a true believer in ‘You are never too old to learn.’ The effect of simply taking a true interest in a student has life-changing results.” Northeast: Lisa Caccamise, DE Epsilon

Lisa is a school psychologist. “My professional philosophy is that all students are capable of learning and deserve the chance to be able to learn in their own way. Since I did not attend a teaching program, I felt it was important for me to gain additional information regarding curriculum and instruction as well so that I would have a broader understanding of general and special education. Being able to ask questions or compare notes with my colleagues is invaluable. I feel like assisting students with their mental health needs so that they are able to remain in school and be ‘available’ for learning is the most significant difference that I can make on a daily basis. I attempt to talk through various situations with students to help them problem-solve, plan or even identify alternative viewpoints. Teaching my students to become successful adults is how I try to make a difference each day.”

Northwest: Melanie Kelly, WY Gamma

Melanie is a teacher of English in an alternative high school. “If students don’t learn the way I teach, then I must teach the way they learn. I provide a safe and caring environment where students are engaged through music, personal interactions and authentic learning with the focus being on the ‘why’, not simply the ‘what’. As I tell my students, 'When I finish learning, I will be finished teaching.' In November 2012, I ran into Christine, a student I had taught in middle school. Christine told me that she had dropped out while needing only 1.25 credits to graduate. After hearing her say, 'I really wanted to walk across that stage,' I encouraged her to come to Roosevelt. She enrolled, and I was her homeroom and English teacher. In 2013, she walked across the stage and is now a registered nurse. I continue this journey called education because I know there are many Christines out there. Thirty-four years into this profession, I still don’t believe teaching is a job; rather, it’s a calling which I thankfully answered.”

South Central: Helen Arcencaux, TX Beta Chi

“I consider equity to be one of my pillars. I value the opportunity to be a champion for others. True equity is giving people the opportunity to be heard, loved and valued for the unique person they are, and I am honored to be in a profession where I can do that for so many people. I don’t teach science. I teach people. I have grown….by realizing that learning is best done