Grad is Ohio's Outstanding Student Teacher
Curtis Bradshaw
3/19/09
The Ohio Association of Teacher Educators has named Curtis Bradshaw, a December 2008 Miami University graduate, Ohio’s 2008 Outstanding Student Teacher.
“This is an exceptional honor not just for Curtis, but for Miami,” said Carine Feyten, dean of the School of Education, Health and Society. “Seeing our talented students excel is always gratifying.”
Bradshaw, who majored in middle childhood language arts and social studies education, student taught sixth grade in his hometown at Clinton-Massie Middle School with language arts teacher Michelle Howell and social studies teacher Betsy Wellman.
His Miami coursework and field experiences in five diverse schools, which ranged from urban to rural, helped him feel prepared and comfortable student teaching. "I not only had a broad theoretical background in education entering student teaching, but I also entered my internship with a great deal of practical ideas for lessons plans and curriculum development, “ he said.
Bradshaw credits the advising he received at Miami with helping him graduate in three-and-a-half years. He currently is substitute teaching in Clinton County and is applying for a full-time position this fall at the elementary or middle school level.
“Curtis is a natural in the classroom,” said Ellen Hill, who supervises the placement of about 400 Miami student teachers annually. She noted that his evaluations from professors and cooperating teachers were exceptional.
For example, Tom Misco, assistant professor of teacher education, said Bradshaw “understands how to structure learning experiences that allow students to understand content in fun and meaningful ways” and that his lessons plans “demonstrated an exquisite flair for engaging students, to be sure, but also for ensuring mastery of state and local curriculum objectives.” “I fully expect him to operate as a seasoned teacher during his first year in the profession,” wrote Misco in his nomination letter.
Bradshaw distinguished himself academically at Miami, graduating summa cum laude.
A 2005 graduate of Clinton-Massie High School, he is the son of Ed and Bunny Bradshaw of Wilmington.