Bloomsburg College professor receives PA Trainer Educator of the 12 months award | Schooling
Bloomsburg – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BU) faculty member Stephanie Gardner has been named Teacher Educator of the Year 2021 by the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE). The nationwide award, PAC-TE’s most prestigious, is based on faculty teaching, scholarships and service.
“To be honored with this award by an organization that I am grateful to be a part of is a very humbling feeling and a moment I will not forget,” said Gardner, Assistant Professor of Extraordinary Programs at the College of Education.
“I have been an active participant in PAC-TE for the past eight years and I really appreciate all of the opportunities my commitment has given me in building relationships with colleagues, advocating our teacher preparation programs, and working with key government stakeholders also developed my leadership skills through various roles in which I have served. “
Her nomination highlighted Gardner’s work in both her department and the community. At the BU she received the following awards: Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research / Scientific Activity Recipient; Recipient of the McDowell Institute Faculty Scholarship (2019-2021); and Vicki and John Mihalik Faculty Fellow in 2020 (a two-year tenure).
In the community, Gardner is the senior faculty advisor for the student organization Trinity Learning Community, which supports adults with disabilities living in Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg University President Bashar Hanna is proud of Gardner’s recognition.
“I congratulate Dr. Stephanie Gardner on receiving the most prestigious award from PACT-TE,” said Hanna. “To be recognized as the best by her colleagues is an endorsement of her talents as a model educator and shows her passion for helping our students succeed. Your work to improve our community is certainly remarkable and commendable. “
“We (at the College of Education) are extremely proud of the work that Dr. Gardner performs at the BU every day, and on her advocacy at the state level, ”said Daryl Fridley, BU Dean of the College of Education. “This award is a well-deserved recognition of the important contributions she makes regularly in the field of teacher training. We are fortunate to have her here at the BU.”
Gardner credits her mother for inspiring her to become a teacher. “My mother has a decisive influence on why I work in the field of special education. She is a graduate of the BU after completing her undergraduate degree in special education as a nontraditional student with two young children.”
“When I was growing up, I saw her persistently to make her dream come true. Through her commitment as a therapeutic riding instructor and home trainer, I realized that I wanted to find my place in this world to support and encourage people with special needs. My mother is one of the most selfless, accepting, and joyful people I know and a true educator at heart, “said Gardner.
Amy Eitzen, vice dean of the BU at the College of Education, nominated Gardner for the award. “When I checked the qualifications for the award, it was clear to me that Dr. Gardner fulfills all requirements with distinction, ”said Eitzen. “During the awards ceremony, some of their accomplishments were described, but those who do not work with Dr. Gardner cannot know their total value to us at Bloomsburg University.”
PAC-TE is a not-for-profit professional association for anyone in Pennsylvania engaged in the preparation and development of professional educators. Its aim is to provide strong advocacy for the professional formation of educators within the Commonwealth.
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