FARMINGTON, ME (December 3, 2018)— Kathryn Will-Dubyak, University of Maine at Farmington literacy education professor, has been named a 2018 Bonnie Campbell Hill National Literacy Leader Award winner by the Children’s Literature Assembly at the National Council of Teacher Educators national conference in Houston, Texas.
This professional recognition includes a $2,500 grant and is given annually, in memory of educator Bonnie Campbell Hill, to each of two educators dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of reading and writing in grades K-8.
Will-Dubyak, an assistant professor of literacy in the UMF Division of Elementary, Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education, works primarily with pre-service teachers to help them develop the professional skills needed to assist K-8 students struggling to improve their reading and writing skills.
“I feel very honored to have been chosen for this award,” said Will Dubyak. “Helping children learn to read was a passion for Bonnie Hill Campbell, who worked with school districts around the world inspiring teachers and impacting students. That’s the kind of passion I hope to instill in my students every day.”
Will-Dubyak used part of her grant to provide a professional development opportunity for two of her students—Allicia Hilton, senior from Skowhegan, and Emily Hartford, senior from Turner—who accompanied her to the national conference. The conference experience helps promote a wide range of professional objectives including, advancing subject matter expertise, extending knowledge of resources, developing new skills and extending professional contacts.
“It’s so rewarding to see your students welcomed into a community of professionals,” said Will-Dubyak. “These students are adding to their educator experience on a daily basis, as tutors, literacy clinic assistants and mentors. Being able to see them grow and prosper first-hand is an honor in itself.”
Will-Dubyak teaches literacy coursework in the elementary education program. She taught in a four-room school house in Montana, developed preschool summer camps and family-to-farm camps before transitioning to teacher preparation. Prior to joining UMF, she worked at Montana State University where she developed a passion for embedded teacher preparation. Her research interests include the development of teacher efficacy through embedded teacher education models, rural education, and the role of non-cognitive attributes in teaching and learning.
More on UMF Education Programs
UMF offers one of the premier teacher education programs in New England. One of just three nationally-accredited teacher education programs in Maine, it combines the highest level of coursework with hands-on field experience beginning in the first and second years at UMF followed by an immersive, 16-week Student Teaching experience. UMF prepares teachers in early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, secondary/middle education and special education. Since 2006, seven UMF graduates have been named Maine Teacher of the Year.
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Media Contact: Kathryn Will-Dubyak, UMF assistant professor literacy education, at kathryn.willdubyak@maine.edu or 207-778-7046
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: RP189-022
Photo Caption: Kathryn Will-Dubyak
Photo Credit: Submitted Image
April Mulherin
UMF Associate Director for Media Relations
office: 207-778-7081
cell: 207-491-0064
april.mulherin@maine.edu