February 12, 2007
Childre wins Council for Exceptional Children award
Georgia College & State University has proven itself as a breeding ground for excellence and professionalism. A fine example is Amy Childre, an Associate Professor of Special Education & Educational Leadership, who was recently selected as the recipient of the 2007 Susan Phillips Gorin Award by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC.) Childre was nominated for the award by Brook Ramsey and Cynthia Chambers, a recent GCSU graduate and former student.
Childre joined the GCSU faculty in 1999 and says that "by implementing (the cohort model of teacher training used in the GCSU School of Education), I truly learned about mentoring students, about guiding and encouraging their development as teachers and professionals."
In Chambers' nomination letter for Childre, she states, "I am personally aware of the impact Dr. Childre has made on my career as a special educator as well as the careers of many other professionals."
Childre has earned praise for her teaching abilities from students and co-workers alike. Wanda Leroy, a former student of Childre, describes her as "the most genuine and professional teacher I have ever had." Stacy Worden, another former student, calls her learning experience with Childre "very positive" due to Childre's ability to be "willing to listen to you and your ideas, advise you, and assist you in finding the answers to your questions."
Rosemary Jackson, a fellow GCSU Professor of Special Education & Educational Leadership, says that Childre, "challenges all who cross her path - students, colleagues, and individuals with special needs - to strive for and reach their true potential."
Childre, is humble in response to receiving the prestigious award. "I view the award not only as recognizing my efforts, but as recognizing the efforts of our Department of Special Education," she said. "We continue to strive to graduate teachers who will effect change in their schools and improve education for students with disabilities. The greatest reward though in teacher training is seeing your former students impact the lives of children with disabilities."
The Susan Phillips Gorin Award is the highest honor the student membership of CEC nationally bestows on a professional member of the Council for Exceptional Children. Childre will receive a plaque and be honored at the awards ceremony during the Opening General Session at the CEC National Convention in Louisville, KY, on Apr. 18. She will have her name permanently displayed on the Susan Phillips Gorin Award plaque at CEC headquarters in Washington D.C.
For more information contact Amy Childre, (478) 478-4577.