Sterling College seniors Heather Shaw of Sterling, Kan., and Kadi Smith of Julesburg, Colo., were named as the spring 2014 Teachers of Promise. Each semester, two candidates who are clinical teaching the following semester are recognized by Sterling College and the Kansas State Department of Education for their exemplary character, dedication and achievement.

Criteria for the Teachers of Promise award relate to the key elements of the Sterling Teacher Education Program and include IDEAL attributes of integrity, dependability, effective communication, appropriate attitude and leadership.

“Heather and Kadi are wonderful teacher candidates. They are committed to excellence and enthusiastic about the teaching profession. We look forward to seeing them challenge, encourage and support their future students,” said Terri Gaeddert, director of the Sterling Teacher Education Program.

Shaw and Smith attended the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network Conference in Topeka, Kan., on Feb. 21 and 22. At the conference, they participated in workshops led by this year’s Kansas Teachers of the Year team.

Shaw is preparing to teach health and physical education for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. During all four years of her time at Sterling College, she has been a part of the track and field team.

“I had a lot fun at the KEEN Conference. I met some amazing teachers, and they showed me a lot of ideas and techniques that I can’t wait to use during my clinical teaching and in my future classroom,” said Shaw.

Smith has been studying to teach mathematics in grades 6-12. She is actively involved on campus as a member of the Math Club, has volunteered for Love Sterling and traveled on mission trips to Guatemala and Nicaragua. She also played French horn in the Sterling Community Band.

“The KEEN conference was a great experience. It was an honor to be chosen to attend and to spend time with some of Kansas’ best educators. As a student who is getting ready to do my clinical teaching and enter the profession soon, it was very beneficial to make connections, re-enforce what I have already been learning at Sterling and be informed of the most recent happenings at the state level,” said Smith.