Academics
The awards were presented by Interim Dean John Oppliger during the Student Teacher Recognition Ceremony on May 15 in the Bicknell Family for the Arts.
The ceremony is held annually for all education majors preparing to graduate and enter the profession of teaching, and their families and cooperating teachers who oversaw their student teaching. In it, the future educators take an oath, and each are awarded a medallion to wear during Commencement.
Award winners serve as inspiring keynote speakers to the future educators.
Brendan Schmidt (BS ‘22, MS ‘24), a 5th grade teacher at R.V. Haderlein Elementary in Girard, Kansas, was given the Pitt State Teacher of Promise Award as a senior. This year, he was back to receive the Outstanding Educator Award.
Principal Tina Daniel said he goes above and beyond as an educator each day and has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment for all students.
His lesson plans are focused around each child’s personal needs, with individualized curricular and behavior supports that have helped his students achieve their full potential.
He also teaches in the after-school program and summer school, attends PTO events, and is active in the district beyond the classroom.
“He gets the big picture of education,” Daniel said. “His professionalism, collaborative spirit, and willingness to support others have contributed to a positive and productive school culture.”
He serves as assistant baseball coach at GHS, and head baseball coach Chris Dunlap said Schmidt has been instrumental in developing the baseball program with enthusiasm, commitment, and high expectations.
“His ability to inspire and motivate is unparalleled, making him a truly outstanding educator,” Dunlap said.
Superintendent Todd Ferguson said it is rare to encounter a teacher of his caliber so early in their career.
“He has already earned the trust and respect of his peers,” Ferguson said. “He currently serves on multiple district and building leadership committees, where his input is valued for its thoughtfulness and insight. He is proactive at identifying areas for improvement and is always willing to take on additional responsibilities to support his colleagues and the greater school community.”
The second recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award was Grace Brunner (MA ‘24), an 8th grade ELA teacher at Hocker Grove Middle School in Shawnee, Kansas.
As an early career teacher, she immediately demonstrated a deep passion for fostering student growth and academic success, her principal said.
Principal Jessica Schmitt praised her ability to help students build self-confidence and navigate challenges.
“Her approach to teaching English Language Arts is both innovative and inclusive, ensuring that each student, regardless of their background or learning style, is engaged and supported,” Schmitt said.
Outside of the classroom, Brunner plays a vital role in the district’s curriculum development efforts. She has been an active participant in shaping the English Language Arts curriculum, ensuring it aligns with current best practices and meets the diverse needs of students.
She offers personalized support to students, and is a key member of the school’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging team.
Human Resources Director Chris Kase, who was Brunner’s supervisor her first year of teaching, said she has persistence to ensure every student learns at the highest level.
“I was not only impressed with the depth of her instructional strategy toolbox but also her ability to build connections with students,” Kase said.
Brunner has dedicated her personal time to join a cohort for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) in an effort to meet the State Dyslexia Initiative Training, serves on the After School and Saturday School Tutoring Programs, and as a sponsor for the Hocker Grove Chess Club.
“It’s important to note that Hocker Grove is a Title I building with a diverse student population, a free and reduced lunch rate of more than 50 percent, and a significant population of students that are classified as English Language Learners,” Kase said. “Ms. Brunner has demonstrated the ability to teach students of all backgrounds at a high level, going the extra mile to help them succeed.”
Joy Adkison, an Elementary Education major from Cherryvale, was a student teacher at Mound Valley Grade School. She has been hired as a 5th grade teacher at St. Andrew Catholic School in Independence.
Jonrey Pino, a Physical Education major from the Philippines, was a student teacher at Carl Junction. He has been hired as a graduate assistant at Pittsburg State University.
