MATE student teacher of the year Elizabeth Gutowski (right) with mentor teacher Janet Proven.
College of Education graduate Elizabeth Gutowski has been named the 2012 MATE Student Teacher/Intern of the Year. This is the third consecutive year a College of Education student has been chosen for the honor.
Each year, the Michigan Association of Teacher Educators (MATE) sponsors a contest to identify and award a Michigan student teacher or intern. Gutowski was selected by the MATE board of directors based on a variety of criteria, from lesson delivery and best practices to knowledge and professional image.
“An important part of being a teacher is reflecting on your own practice, strategies in the classroom, and continuing to learn and grow,” said Gutowski, who during her internship taught third grade at Hickory Woods Elementary School in Novi, Mich. “This competition was an opportunity for me to do an in-depth analysis and reflection on my own teaching, which is of indescribable value to both me, as a teacher, and my students.”
As part of her first-place winnings, she will receive a cash prize and plaque, as well as an invitation to participate in the National Association of Teacher Educators’ student competition. She will also receive a one-year MATE membership, a featured article on the MATE website, and an offer to contribute an article to the MATE journal.
Gutowski said her future plans are to continue in being a lifelong teacher and learner, and she is currently seeking an elementary teaching position for the 2013-2014 school year.