Submitted by Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College instructor Ed Young received the 2015 Exceptional Faculty Award at a surprise announcement this week. The annual award recognizes a faculty member who infuses their teaching with innovation, and provides an exemplary level of work performance that fosters and supports student learning.
For nearly two decades, Young has taught high school history and social studies, and occasionally English, science and math at the college’s South Campus.
In her nomination letter, colleague Lexine Torres wrote, “Ed Young epitomizes the mission and vision of Bates Technical College. He is a dynamic, yet humble instructor who goes to great lengths to help students achieve their educational endeavors. He not only inspires, challenges, and educates students; he genuinely cares about them as individuals,” she wrote.
“His classroom is a safe and nurturing environment where students are free to express themselves without fear of ridicule. Mr. Young has a unique way of meeting each student exactly where they are in the learning process and to help them to cultivate their educational, career, and life goals. He plants the seed and often guides them to unlock the door to their true potential,” Torres wrote.
As part of this award, Young will attend the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May in Texas. Young will be a part of the Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration with Exceptional Faculty Award honorees from across the country.
The Exceptional Faculty Awards program was created in 1990 by the state’s legislature to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching in Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. This award is made possible through a legislature-established endowed trust fund and the Bates Technical College Foundation.
This award honors full- or part-time faculty who have been employed at the college for at least one year. Nominees are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Exceptional service to a program or discipline. Enriching the classroom with knowledge, experience, and vitality; demonstrating to a superior degree the characteristics of good college teaching: knowledge of subject, enthusiasm, clarity of presentation, ability to involve students, creativity, and student empathy.
- Dedication, knowledge, expertise or exceptional achievement in a program or discipline, or an academic or professional specialty.
- Positive impact on students. Being a mentor and/or exemplary advisor. Generates excitement for learning.
To learn more, go to www.bates.ctc.edu.
