The Southwestern College education division has recognized Emily White, Baxter Springs, and Mason McDowell, Arkansas City, as “Teachers of Promise.” Because of this distinction, White and McDowell are invited to attend the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference in Topeka.

“Our Teachers of Promise for Spring 2020 exemplify our teachers of the future,” says Diane Nickelson, director of student teaching at Southwestern College.  “They are committed to creating classrooms that value all students and understand the importance of their influence on our profession. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”

White is the daughter of Cori and Ami White, Baxter Springs.  She is a graduate of Baxter Springs High School and will be graduating from SC in May with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and middle-level mathematics. She is student teaching at Arkansas City Middle School this semester.

McDowell is the son of George and Heidi McDowell, Arkansas City.  He is a graduate of Arkansas City High School and will be graduating from Southwestern with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  He is student teaching at Dodge Literacy Magnet School in Wichita.

Each semester Kansas colleges and universities with teacher education programs are invited to name two individuals to be recognized as “Teachers of Promise.”

“I am very grateful to receive the Teacher of Promise award,” White says.  “I am also thankful for the support I have received from my professors and mentors throughout my journey. It’s really cool to represent the education program with this awesome award. I’m really looking forward to the next step in my journey.”

“Receiving the Teacher of Promise award is such an honor,” McDowell says.  “This award shows me that my hard work in both my undergraduate work and co-teaching experience has prepared me for student teaching. I would like to personally thank Diane Nickelson and Sheryl Erickson and the rest of the education department for supporting and mentoring me since my freshman year. I am very excited to have my own classroom next fall.”