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Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Opposes City Ordinance on Homeless Encampments

2/23/2021

Based on overwhelming feedback from members, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposed Bloomington Council Ordinance 21-06 that would allow encampments in public parks for extended periods.

“Over the past year we’ve heard increasing complaints and deep concerns voiced by members of the business community regarding encampments at Seminary Park and elsewhere,” said Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “We must find an alternative way to support the needs of houseless residents that does not negatively impact local businesses, the jobs they provide, and the broader community.”

This situation poses three broad impacts:

Introducing the 2021 Educator of the Year Lifetime Achievement Awardee

2/22/2021

Kathleen Hugo

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
As a college freshman in Texas, I had a friend who was a sign language interpreter. I went with her to visit a preschool classroom for Deaf students. I was immediately taken by the teacher’s skill in helping her students develop both communication and academic skills. I thought “that is what I want to do.” Interestingly, when I finished college, my first job was in that same school, working alongside that teacher who had so inspired me.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a person entering into the education field during an unprecedented times?
I’ve come to realize the power that educators have to transform the lives of their students. I’ve seen it so many times through the years—how a skilled and committed teacher can make the classroom (even a virtual classroom) a place where students can grow and thrive, academically, socially, and emotionally. I would want anyone entering the field, regardless of the times, to be aware of the immense power they hold in shaping students’ lives.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Mariah Bruce

2/22/2021

Why did you choose the field of Education for a career?
I have always loved learning and working with people. By the age of 16, I felt reasonably confident that education was my destiny. Many of my mentors motivated me to pursue a career in teaching. As I continued working on my degree in education and exploring my interests in music and sports, I found myself serving in leadership and teaching roles in all three areas. However, teaching was my passion. I loved learning and helping others grow and learn. My goal in becoming a teacher has always been to support and nurture a community of lifelong learners. Schools play such an important role in our society. I believe teachers are responsible for helping children develop the skills and values needed to succeed and be successful community members. When our schools and teachers are provided with needed resources, our children grow. When our children succeed, our communities and our country reap the benefits.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Maggie Olivo

2/22/2021

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I was always interested in teaching. Every summer, I’d visit my grandmother, a public school teacher in Memphis. We’d go on walks together and talk about her students. Stories ranged from funny math lessons to student gifts, and words of wisdom from her teacher colleagues. However, as a child, I wanted to be a composer. I moved from Tucson, Arizona to IU to major in music composition. There, I volunteered to help Sandra Freund’s elementary students compose melodies. I LOVED it. After graduating, I found a day job as a paraprofessional at BHSS, supporting Jennifer Robinson in the community based classroom. From her, I learned the effectiveness of patience, consistency, and high expectations. I enrolled in the MAT certification program and was going to be a high school orchestra director. However, after seeing Brent Gault in action during an elementary music methods class, I was hooked on teaching elementary kids.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Amber Mullin

2/22/2021

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I started IUB as a business major...off to conquer the corporate world. Even though the Kelley School of Business is top notch, I found myself unsatisfied with my studies. It was unsettling as someone who always had a plan to feel unsure about their future. As a Lilly Scholar, one of my requirements was to volunteer in the community. I signed up to volunteer at the local hospital, hoping that I may find a desire to work in medical administration. When I arrived, they asked if I would mind working in their childcare center. I figured this placement would keep me away from blood, so I happily accepted. At the center I worked with the classroom teachers in ages 2-5. I prepared lesson materials, organized lunches and snacks, helped with toileting and handwashing, and worked one-on-one with students. For the last hour of each volunteer session, I found myself working in the pre-K room. I read stories, sang songs, played games, and helped students with basic writing skills, and I loved it. I soon found myself spending just as much time searching for new children’s books and learning new songs, as I did studying for my classes. By the end of the semester, I realized that the best part of my week was my volunteer session. I enrolled in the School of Ed. the following semester.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Debbie Ferree

2/22/2021

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I have always thought of myself as a teacher from the time I was a little girl teaching to my stuffed animals on my bed, grading papers, and taking attendance. I felt like I had a gift for explaining the math to my classmates. I was always very athletic and thought I could teach physical education. Since the openings for physical education was scarce, my father encouraged me to major in math and minor in physical education, which is exactly what I did. I was hired in 1984 to do just that: Teach math and use my physical education minor to coach swimming at Batchelor Middle School.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
I have always tried to be fair with my students and embraced my own shortcomings and have encouraged my students to learn from their mistakes. I always tell students that if there is a mistake they feel I have made whether it be in my grading or instruction to let me know. I am not afraid to admit if I made a mistake and I love to hear when students correct anything I may have said or done. This shows me they are really paying attention and are taking ownership with their learning.
I feel as though I am friendly with my students. I love to hear about their interests, hobbies, and activities. Many students over the years have parents who have been former students of mine. I enjoy it so much when a student says to me that I was their mom or dad’s math teacher.
Lastly, I feel that I make a connection with students by being fashion - conscious. I love to compliment students on their attire and enjoy when a student compliments me on mine.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Patty Harpring

2/22/2021

What makes your school unique?

University has always been a global school because of its population. There are thirty-five countries and thirty-two languages spoken by our families and students. University originally was a lab school and part of the Indiana University Campus.

University is a PYP/IB (Primary Years Program. International Baccalaureate) school. We are part of a group of schools across the globe that make teaching through inquiry our priority. All subjects are taught through six major transdisciplinary themes. Units are fluidly written, and students use inquiry skills to learn about the world around them. We want to empower them to be globally-minded citizens that feel inspired and moved to take some type of action that will make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

How did you first get into education?
I started as a business major at IU and took an interest in inventory that helped me look into switching my major to education. I worked at the IU Bookstore to earn spending money. While there I met another girl, who was majoring in elementary education. After talking with her and helping her with her assignment, I decided I might have something to offer to future elementary school students.

When I was in school, I was one of those kids that loved school so much, I would rather go to school sick than have to stay home and miss out on something! As an education major, I decided t wanted to become a teacher that would provide those same kinds of experiences to my students! Growing up in Bloomington, I had so many wonderful teachers. They were the reason I wanted to go to school every single day. They made learning and being in school so fun and exciting.

Introducing the 2021 Educator of the Year Leading Light Awardee

2/22/2021

Rob Moore, program chair

What is the program’s mission statement, and what are its primary goals? How would you describe it to someone unfamiliar with it?
The purpose of MCCSC Adult Education’s Indiana Online Only Distance Education for English Language Learning program is to provide instruction for adult English language learners locally and throughout the State. We partner on this project with Vincennes University, who has an IOODE program for adults studying for the high school equivalency tests. We envisioned that a similar opportunity for English Language acquisition would complement this effort and afford English language learners an equitable opportunity to develop the skills they need to achieve the following goals:

Become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills they need for employment and economic self-sufficiently;
Obtain education and skills they need to become full partners in the educational development of their children and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities of their families;
Obtain a secondary diploma and transition to postsecondary education and training through career pathways; and
Improve their reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, comprehension skills in English and their understanding of the American system of government and responsibilities of citizenship.

To describe it to someone unfamiliar with it, the program consists of English classes offered through videoconferencing and online software for adults at various skill levels both locally and throughout the State to help them learn English as a new language.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Barb Stork

2/22/2021

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
Fair, respectful, empathetic

What is one piece of advice you would give to a person entering into the education field during a unprecedented times?
Go for it – it will be hard and you aren’t going to be rich, but it will be the most fulfilling job you can ever have.

What would you identify as your greatest success(es), especially in light of the current environment?
I have worked with several students through the years that struggled emotionally and academically while they were at South. To work with these students and their families as they struggled with mental illness, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation was emotionally draining for everyone on a daily basis. But, sticking with them to help them see that they can be a success at school and in life is the most rewarding thing to me. I am so proud that these students have been able to take the next step into their adult lives and are successfully pursuing their passions.

Introducing the 2021 Educators of the Year: Sheila Butler

2/22/2021

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I think I was born to be a teacher. I played teacher all of the time growing up and even if I was the youngest I always had to be the teacher. Also I come from generations of educators, my grandmother and mother and step mother were all teachers and they were my role models.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
The 3 words I would choose that guide me are: Perserverance, Faith, Care. As an educator you must constantly perservere when things get tough, or students get frustrated. It is my job to keep them motivated and going. I have faith in my ability and an unwavering belief in their abilities that they will succeed. If you don’t see it for them it will never happen. I also care deeply for my students. My love language is helping others. I have this strong desire to support and see them to their goal.