On April 18^th, Ms. Mona Al-Hayani, 2019 Ohio Teacher of the Year, was presented with a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement from the Judith Herb College of Education (JHCOE). Ms. Al-Hayani is a JHCOE graduate (Masters of Education, 1999) and has served as a teacher in the public-school system for the past 23 years. She currently teaches at Toledo Early College.

Ms. Al-Hayani (pictured above with Dean Witte) serves as a role model and inspiration for all current and future teachers. She represents the highest levels of excellence and professionalism. On behalf of the college and The University of Toledo, Ms. Al-Hayani is recognized for her accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

 UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO’S CHAPTER OF KAPPA DELTA PI, INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN EDUCATION, INDUCTS 21 NEW MEMBERS

Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is pleased to announce that 21 have been invited and inducted into its membership through the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of University of Toledo.

The initiation ceremony took place on April 11, 2019 in Gillham Hall in the Judith Herb College of Education. Dr. Judy Lambert and Dr. Susanna Hapgood, who serve as faculty advisors for the chapter, performed the initiation of new inductees. Dr. Jenny Denyer, guest speaker at the evening’s ceremony, shared adventures of her 30 years as an educator. Approximately 50 inductees, family members, and friends attended the induction, which was made especially memorable by the stories guests shared of their most influential teachers.

The Society inducts only those individuals who have exhibited the ideals of scholarship, integrity in service, and commitment to excellence in teaching and its allied professions. Selection as a member of Kappa Delta Pi is based on high academic achievement, a commitment to education as a career, and a professional attitude that assures steady growth in the profession.

2019 Inductees

Congratulations all!

About Kappa Delta Pi
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is a 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1911 to recognize and promote excellence in education, provide a reasoned voice for significant issues, and link learning communities of educators. Through its programs, services, and strategic partnerships, KDP supports the professional growth and teaching practices of educators throughout all phases and levels of their careers. The organization currently has more than 600 chapters and an active membership of nearly 40,000 worldwide.

Susan Obee has received the award of 2019 Outstanding Cooperating Teacher from the Ohio Association of Teacher Educators (OATE).

Susan Obee is a passionate and resourceful educator with 29 years experience in Toledo Public Schools. She has spent 10 years in special education and 19 years teaching ELA and social studies in a general education classroom, currently at Beverly Elementary School. For the past nine years Susan has been ranked as an accomplished teacher. Susan is not only an excellent teacher who provides emotional as well as academic support to her students, she is also a great role model for students pursuing a career in education.

Susan was nominated by Amy Fikel, her current student teacher from UT.  Fikel stated, “Working with Mrs. Obee has shown me the true impact a great teacher can have on their students. She has shown me what a truly safe learning community looks like. Her passion and selflessness is reflected in her student’s excitement to come to class. Mrs. Obee also constantly models what exemplary teaching looks like and encourages me to observe other exemplary teachers in the building.”

Susan received her Bachelor degree from the University of Toledo and continues to give back to her alma mater by hosting methods students and student teachers. Susan has mentored 7 students from the University of Toledo. Susan has high expectations for these students and continually pushes them to continue to learn and grow as an educator. She offers feedback regularly, always finding positive things in a lesson while also constructively criticizing in a way that makes the student teacher open to her suggestions and excited to implement things a different way. Susan offers our students opportunities to be involved in every aspect of the school community. Her student teachers lead team meetings, create interventions for students, and run parent-teacher conferences.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys glassblowing, beautifying her yard, reading, and volunteering.

The Judith Herb College of Education gets wonderful feedback from our students and supervisors about Ms. Obee. We are honored to have her as a part of our team and are thankful for her dedication to the future of our profession.