Stephen F. Austin State University is known throughout the state for producing fine teachers. Yet, even among the best, there are those that truly stand out. The Olds Family Outstanding Student Teaching Award has been established to honor the best of the best we have to offer. The Olds Family Endowment Outstanding Student Teacher Award Committee will examine the applicants each fall and spring semester and present an award in the amount of $100.00 to a deserving candidate. This award is an honor we are proud to confer on Elementary Education Student Teachers who have studied, trained, and disciplined themselves to be the kind of teacher every student can remember fondly throughout their lives as “the best teacher I ever had.”
The first step is to nominate a candidate. The candidate must be an Elementary Education Major. If you are a University Student Teacher Mentor, a Mentor Teacher, or a Department of Elementary Education Faculty member and you wish to nominate a candidate for the Olds Family Endowment Outstanding Student Teacher Award, please complete the following documents:
The nominee will be required to submit an entry packet which includes, letters of recommendation, a videotape of the candidate teaching a lesson, a copy of that lesson and various supporting materials as needed. The candidate must compile the entry documents, video, lesson, etc. and submit them to the Elementary Education Office, within the Early Childhood Research Center in care of Dr. Steven A. Josephsen. We must have completed entry packets delivered one week prior to the last day of student teaching for that semester, Fall or Spring.
NOTE: Documented Permission to Videotape children must be included for all locations OTHER than the SFA Charter School. Failure to verify this permission will disqualify the candidate.
If you intend to nominate a student for either the first or second placement, please take a moment to let us know the name of the student you are nominating. This will allow us to assist them directly in completing the application process should they experience a problem or have a question.
We would like to thank you for the time and effort you invest into this program. We recognize the dedication to excellence that you contribute to our teacher candidates. Without your ongoing sacrifices and expertise we could not attain the exemplary levels of achievement we all endeavor to reach. You have earned our heartfelt appreciation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven A. Josephsen
Olds Family Endowment Outstanding Student Teacher Award Committee, Chair