KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Education celebrated the accomplishments of its alumni, honoring four as Teacher of Distinction.
The School of Education, along with the IU Alumni Association Kokomo region, recently recognized the outstanding alumni for their commitment to excellence in education.
Dean Leah Nellis said faculty and staff are proud of its students, current and past, and cited Abdul Kalan, former president of India, who said, “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual.”
We believe that, and we also know the impact that teaching has on a child’s family and their broader community,” she said. “We recognize our alumni who have and continue to positively impact the schools and campuses where they work, the colleagues with whom they collaborate, and the students and families whom they serve. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions to their communities and profession of education.”
Teachers of Distinction honorees were selected through a nomination process, joining five teachers who were the inaugural recipients in 2017.
Those recognized were:
- Nicole McDorman, B.S. ‘12, M.A. ’16., is an eighth grade language and literature teacher at Central International Middle School in Kokomo. She’s taught English from grades six through 12, including AP language and literature, and at the community college level. She developed a sophomore career fair, in which students participated in practice interviews, preparing for future careers. She also received the Scholastic Art & Writing Honor award in recognition of students winning awards from the Hoosier Writing Project and Butler Arts Center.
- Joshua Spencer, B.G.S. ‘13, is a learning disability teacher at Maple Crest STEM Middle School in Kokomo. In 2016, he was one of the first students to complete IU Kokomo’s Change to Education program in exceptional needs: mild intervention. He has assisted students in raising their reading ISTEP scores, and is a team player, assisting in after school programs and helping other teachers in his STEM school.
- Amber Reed, B.S. ’93, M.S. ‘00, is interim dean of educational leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University. She was noted as IU Kokomo’s first education graduate to earn a doctorate in education. She taught at IU Kokomo for five years, and was co-founder of its Center for Early Childhood Education. She now leads IWU’s online early childhood education program.
- Kelly Tuberty, B.S. ‘95, is a trailblazer as Western Primary School’s first reading specialist. Among her accomplishments, she received a grant to purchase curriculum to help struggling readers and has increased participation in the annual Young Author’s Conference.
Elizabeth Douglass, B.S. ’95 and IU Kokomo Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, was keynote speaker. Current education students Abigail Lefler and Hayden Rawlins also reflected on their experiences on campus.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.