Evelyn Mandell of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Hayley Ray of Derby, Kansas, have received the honor of being named Sterling College’s Teachers of Promise for the fall semester. Mandell and Ray will be recognized at the Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet on Nov. 21 in Wichita.

Each semester, two students who will be clinical teaching the following year 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 overall grade point average and content and professional GPAs.

“Evelyn and Hayley exemplify the IDEAL Servant Leader Educator we strive to develop through the Sterling Teacher Education Program. In addition to strong content knowledge, they have a passion for engaging students and motivating them to perform at a high level. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to both the profession and their students. I’m proud to have them representing Sterling College as Teachers of Promise at this prestigious, state-wide event,” said Terri Gaeddert, professor of education and director of teacher education.

Mandell is majoring in mathematics: secondary education and works at the College in the admissions office and as a math tutor. She was the head of the Navigators program on campus and still attends their weekly Bible studies. Mandell also plays viola for the Hutchinson Symphony Orchestra. She is involved in many activities at Freedom Baptist Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, and regularly volunteers at Ator Heights, the school where her mother works.

“I am honored to be chosen as a Teacher of Promise by the education department. It feels great to have all my hard work validated and recognized. I am excited to attend the conference in November and to see the Teacher of the Year announced,” said Mandell.

Ray, an elementary education major, is a starting player on the Sterling College volleyball team. She recently broke the College’s standing record and became the new career kills leader.

“Being named a Teacher of Promise is an incredible honor. I know that I have been called to be a teacher, so this award is a blessing as I look toward my future. I am excited to attend the workshop and learn from men and women who are highly skilled in this area of work. I hope to soak in all the information that I can, to be better prepared for my future,” said Ray.

Before the awards banquet, Mandell and Ray will attend a half-day workshop presented by the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team, which is comprised of the current Kansas Teacher of the Year and the seven Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year. This workshop gives the Teachers of Promise the opportunity to learn from the members of the KTOY Team as they share resources, strategies, lesson plans and tips. During the banquet, Mandell and Ray will be presented with a framed certificate of recognition by the Commissioner of Education.

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