Continuing Education

Excellence in Teaching

Each year the club is proud to sponsor deserving teachers who wish to attend the Excellence in Teaching Conference held at Notre Dame. Teachers may apply or members may nominate a teacher by writing to the club.

The Club (from general funds) sponsored two fantastic teachers to the 2009 “Excellence in Teaching” conference at Notre Dame.  Notre Dame Clubs around the nation sponsor teachers to this annual conference.
 
M. Renee Halpin, is an accomplished vocal, general and instrumental music teacher.  Mrs. Halpin was born in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania and graduated Valedictorian from Knoch High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from West Virginia University.  She has been working as a certified music teacher in the state of North Carolina for eighteen years in a rural, very low income area, with students ages four to adult. She writes, “After attending this conference, I feel more apt to discover the hidden talents of each of my students.  There are so many references to the wisdom of children.  By acknowledging this genius that lives in each child, I know that I will continue to awake the genius that will guide me as an educator.  I thank you again…”
 
Ashley Vietmeier, is a special education teacher, a daughter of an alum, and sister of a current senior.  She graduated in 2003 from Baldwin High School, from Duquesne University in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education and in 2008 with a Masters degree in Special Education.  She is a long-term substitute at North Allegheny Intermediate High School, teaching 9th and 10th grade Learning Support. She writes, “As a special educator, I took Armstrong’s theory of developing lessons to target all eight intelligences as a way to differentiate instruction in the inclusive classroom.  The conference fulfilled my expectations and allowed me to deepen my understanding of the true individuality of each child. I would like to thank….”