College instructors honored for teaching excellence
04/28/2009
Edmonds College instructors Kathie Richer and Linda Russell received excellence in
teaching awards from the Washington Association of Occupational Educators March 5
in Vancouver, Wash., at the association's annual conference.
Both women were noted for their commitment to professional development and for keeping in touch with industry to ensure their students learn the skills employers need. They each received a plaque and a $500 check.
Business Information Technology instructor Richer has been a full-time faculty member at Edmonds College for more than nine years, teaching classes including Business Communication and Career Management. Richer attends workshops, seminars and keeps apprised of changes in technology and in the business community and works closely with advisory committees to find out about skill requirements in the job marketplace.
"She is very dedicated to successfully teaching technology skills to students—skills essential for almost any day in today’s marketplace," said Susan Loreen, Dean of the college's Business Division, in making the nomination, "She is an outstanding, student-centered instructor who contributes tremendously to technical professional education in our community."
Hospitality and Tourism instructor Russell has taught at Edmonds College for 20 years, where she helped develop new programs in Lodging Management and Event Planning. Russell attends catering conferences and lodging management seminars, attends professional meetings, reads the latest about these industries, seeks professional certification and constantly revises her curriculum to reflect emerging trends and changes.
"She is an outstanding instructor," said Loreen, "She develops new partnerships, serves her community, enhances her skills and expertise and expands the offerings of all of her programs. She is constantly seeking ways to improve and enhance the travel program, lodging management program and event planning programs."