Madi Sutton ’24 is the recipient of the Grace M. Burton Promise of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching Award. Madi, who graduated in May with a degree in Middle Grades Education, was recognized for collaboration with teachers and specialists in her school and for always working to engage her students in a respectful environment The award was presented at WCE’s spring 2024 teacher intern celebration seminar on April 29.
WCE Professor Shelby Morge nominated Madi for the honor. Dr. Morge is coordinator of Watson’s Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education degree program and Madi’s internship supervisor.
“Madi has high expectations for all learners and she is intentional about incorporating individual student needs in her lessons,” Morge said. “The classroom environment that she has created for her middle grades learners highlights students’ diverse backgrounds, prior knowledge, and strengths as assets.”
In one example of her work this semester, Madi worked hard to build a relationship with two students who did not speak English and she used that experience to resolve to be more mindful to the inequities faced by students in her classroom.
“Her work to ensure that her activities and assessments reflect relevant, responsive, and culturally appropriate opportunities is evident!” Dr Morge said.
WCE’s Office of Professional Experiences hosted the spring intern celebration. The Professional Experiences team works with Watson faculty and site coordinators in WCE’s Professional Development System partnership schools to coordinate thousands of field experiences and hundreds of internships for Watson College students each year. The placements give WCE students the opportunity to experience a variety of supportive, professional settings during their educational journey, while gradually assuming the responsibilities of a classroom teacher.
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