Kayla Meitler of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Erika Rojas of Wichita, Kansas, have received the honor of being named Sterling College’s Teachers of Promise for the fall semester. Meitler and Rojas will be recognized at the Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet on Nov. 19 in Wichita.

Each semester, two students who will be clinical teaching the following semester are selected according to criteria that relate to the key elements of the Sterling Teacher Education Program and include IDEAL attribute ratings for integrity, dependability, effective communication, appropriate attitude and leadership, along with content, professional and cumulative GPAs.

“Kayla is an outstanding student. She comes to class prepared and, more importantly, ready to learn. She constantly makes connections between topics in her SC courses and what she is experiencing in public school classrooms. She is becoming a classic ‘teacher-learner,’ a terrific model for children. Kayla has a disposition and voice that draws children. She will make an outstanding elementary school teacher,” said Frank Leone, assistant professor of education.

Meitler is currently finishing her elementary education degree with plans to graduate this May. In addition to her studies, she spends time sharing her passion for cheerleading and being a cheerleading coach for Prairie Hills Middle School. She also works part-time at Abundant Life Daycare and Preschool.

“I am honored to be chosen as a Teacher of Promise to represent Sterling College. Teaching is my passion; I believe that as teachers, we are called to make an impact on many lives and be an example of Christ. I am so excited to attend the workshop and learn how to better reach my students from knowledgeable teachers whom I look up to. Attending Sterling College has been such a blessing, and being given this honor is just the cherry on top of a wonderful experience where I know God is present,” said Meitler.

Rojas is from Wichita, Kansas, and has worked for the education department on campus for the last three years.

“Erika is a responsible student and a natural teacher. She continually receives high marks from her placement teachers when out in the field and I have observed her interactions with students in an elementary setting; her students will be lucky to have her,” said Rachel Wannamaker, assistant professor of education.

Rojas has been a student ambassador each year she has been here and has also been involved as the vice president of the Campus Activities Board as well as the women’s basketball team manager. Throughout her sophomore year, Rojas was a resident assistant in Evans Hall.

“It is such an honor and a blessing to be named as one of the Teachers of Promise. I am so excited to have the opportunity to attend this workshop and learn from some of the best professionals in this field. I know it will be beneficial to my future and help me grow as a future educator,” said Rojas.

On Nov. 19, Meitler and Rojas will be attending a banquet and workshop in Wichita, Kansas. The workshop will consist of the 2015 Kansas Teacher of the Year team leading the fall Teachers of Promise award recipients in a series of activities pertaining to their chosen path. The banquet will recognize Meitler, Rojas and Teachers of Promise recipients from other colleges and universities.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kan., with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.