Dean's Byline

The Dean's Byline

Dean Shirley Raines

On May 10, in the Rose Garden at the White House, President Clinton and Secretary of Education Richard Riley announced that Dr. Marilyn Jachetti Whirry, an English teacher with 35 years of teaching experience from Manhattan Beach, California, is the 2000 National Teacher of the Year. I was excited about the announcement because I served on the Selection Committee for the National Teacher of the Year. Interviewing Marilyn and reading her portfolio of experiences renewed my commitment to one of the greatest challenges America faces, providing over two million new teachers by the year 2010. The selection process also renewed my resolve in our mission at the University of Kentucky, which is to prepare the best teachers for our classrooms, preschool through graduate school.

Each year for the Homecoming celebration at UK, the College of Education honors “Teachers Who Make a Difference.” Begun three years ago, the occasion is a celebration of teaching at any level from preschool through college level. Read more about the Teacher Who Made a Difference Program.

Professors in the College of Education who have made a difference can also be nominated. Professors who have been recognized at previous celebrations included Dr. Bill Stilwell, from the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, who was nominated by a school superintendent. In the column on faculty awards, please notice that Dr. Rayma Beal from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion was one of the five recipients of the Alumni Association Teaching Award for 1999. At the College of Education scholarship and awards banquet on April 28, two professors were honored by their peers for their outstanding teaching: Dr. Kristine Jolivette, a first-year professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling and Dr. Deneese Jones, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Please help us recognize the teachers and professors who made a difference in your life. Plan to join us for Homecoming 2000 to celebrate the significant accomplishments of these dedicated educators.