Description of the video:

Hello graduates of the IU Kokomo School of Education.

While I would much rather be sharing this message with you in person on our beautiful campus, I am excited to be able to recognize your accomplishments, even from afar, during these unprecedented times.  

And I look forward to celebrating with you in person as soon as it is safe for us to do so.

Let me begin by saying congratulations for choosing to enter what may be described as one of the most noble professions.

And for successfully completing your preparation to become an educator.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Education, I would like to recognize the graduating seniors who were selected as outstanding students in education.

Both students have demonstrated exemplary professionalism and competencies in their courses and in their school-based placements.

This year’s outstanding student in elementary education is Rebecca Christner.

And this year’s outstanding student in secondary education is Josh Vogel.

Congratulations, Rebecca and Josh.

I would also like to recognize Krista Bailey, Baleigh Hendrix and Jasmine Sullican for being selected by the faculty as the IACTE Outstanding Future Educations for 2020.

We know the importance of teachers.

Engaging minds, sparking interest in new subjects, developing critical skills, and encouraging self-confidence and compassion for others.

During the unprecedented times of this spring, I have seen many of you rise to the challenge of serving your students through virtual class meetings and book readings, creative online learning activities nd individual phone calls to students and their families.

You have provided your students a sense of normalcy, security, and enjoyment.

As you begin your first year of teaching in the fall, your students will show up with a range of experiences, feelings and needs associated with this pandemic.

They will need you to build and re-establish relationship and a sense of safety like never before.

They will look to you as examples of compassion, self-care, and resilience.

And you will be there for them.

You are ready to begin your career equipped with knowledge, skills and most importantly the heart of a teacher.

As you begin your teaching career, remember to take care of yourself so that you can serve your students.

I wish you well.

Description of the video:

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

Brooke Abigail Band.

Margarita Refugio Botello Medina.

Baleigh Ann Hendrix.

Hattie N. Johnson.

Mackenzie Kay Johnson.

Brayton Scott MacLain.

Bridget Therese Matthews.

Tessa Maria Sondgerath.

Amber Renee Strik.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Minor in Early Childhood.

Leila Faith Barker.

Jennifer Lynn Campbell.

Rebecca J. Christner.

Brandy L. Gamblin.

Madison Faith Martin.

Hanna Marie Richards.

Kiana Jade Robbins.

Alivia Macy Williams.

Kathleen Rachelle Yotter.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Minor in Mild Intervention.

Krista Danielle Bailey.

Sierra Colvin.

Hilary Irene Cripe.

Kilie D. Emery.

Joshua Levi Fewell.

Hanna Christine Halliar.

Hailee Celine Scheffer.

Caitlin Pauline Slate.

Jasmine Mae Sullivan.

Samantha J. Wise.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Concentration in Social Studies.

Blake William Shrader.

Paul D. Williams Jr.

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

Concentration in Fine Arts: Visual Arts.

Emilee Gail Thomson-Rhymer.

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Concentration in Earth/Space Science.

Joshua Adam Vogel.

Transition to Teaching Concentration in Spanish.

McCall Aulbach.

Transition to Teaching Concentration in Fine Arts: Visual Arts.

Abigail Birnell-Beall.

Transition to Teaching Concentration in English Language Arts.

Amber Moore.