Colleen Egan, Bisk Foundation Scholarship Winner, Special Fall 2011, Part A Session
The University of Scranton, in partnership with Bisk Education, Inc., proudly recognizes Colleen Egan – a high school special education teacher from Northumberland, Pennsylvania – as winner of the Bisk Foundation Scholarship for the Special Fall 2011, Part A session. The scholarship supports the professional development of outstanding teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students.
Egan specializes in teaching life skills and she also provides learning support for her students, a population with a wide range of disabilities. “It is my goal to make my students as independent as possible and prepare them to become contributing members of society,” she says.
Effective instructors make positive differences in so many ways, but most are able to pinpoint a few students whose situations have stood out from the others. These are the students who provide the motivation and inspiration for teachers like Egan to continue their good work and pursue additional professional development in order to better serve their classrooms. Egan shares the following example about one of her students, a senior in high school with multiple disabilities:
“To prepare him for supported employment, I organized a daily work experience for him at a local nursing home,” she says. “He learned the importance of going to work and following directions. He has hearing and speech needs. However, by the end of the year he was able to call the nursing home when he needed to miss work. He began problem-solving and interacting with others. The nursing home enjoyed having him so much that they have secured a position for him this summer. His mother has written me numerous thank you letters for teaching him responsibility.”
Egan’s dedication to her students is demonstrated by her willingness to sometimes step outside of her comfort zone to help young people reach the potential all children deserve to pursue. One student, an 11th grader, presented a unique challenge for her.
“He did not speak any English. I do not speak Spanish but I did teach him how to speak English. I have worked extensively to teach him to read. He now reads on a first grade level. I have set up numerous visits for careers that he is interested in. He now plans to attend a barber school upon graduation. He is determined to learn so that he can be successful.”
Often, teachers don’t stop to think how much their small gestures can completely change lives. Providing support, creative solutions and a listening ear are just a few of the necessary tools to complete the job successfully, and most teachers do this without fanfare or expectation of recognition. Egan is most certainly one of these teachers.
“My students make a difference in my life and help me grow as a person and an educator,” she says. “I have enjoyed watching all of my students’ progress throughout the year. I take great pride in their accomplishments. I have made a difference in the lives of many students and plan to do so for years to come.”
Together with The University of Scranton, Bisk Education is proud to salute Colleen Egan – a true everyday hero who is making a difference through the gift of education!
