The College of Education and Human Services at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh recently recognized the outstanding contributions of two area teachers.

Both educators were recognized at an awards ceremony sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education at the Concourse Hotel in Madison April 12 are UW Oshkosh alumni.

• Gwen Nagel, sixth grade Spanish teacher at Maplewood Middle School in Menasha, was recognized for her long-standing exemplary mentoring of pre-service teachers.
• William Brydon, an English teacher at Winneconne High School, was recognized for excellence as an early career teacher. Brydon is a 2012 graduate of UW Oshkosh.

The Early Career Educator Award recognizes positive impact on schools and communities, innovation in designing learning experiences, and advocacy for students. Brydon’s building principal, Leah Michaud, states: “Engaging our students through relevant learning experiences, Will has quickly become an active part of the Winneconne family. In addition to teaching, he is our varsity girls volleyball coach, bringing his personal expertise and varied coaching experiences to continue to grow our program. We are happy and proud to call him a member of our team!”

Brydon joined the high school staff in fall 2014.

Nagel has been a teacher-leader in the Menasha Joint School District for more than 24 years. She has hosted more than 18 UW Oshkosh pre-service teachers in her classroom and, according to her nominator, “ effectively models a dedication and professionalism that her student teachers can emulate, both in the classroom and beyond.” Building principal Bev Sturke enthusiastically supports Nagel’s nomination for the Pre-Service Education Mentor Award.

“She is truly dedicated to her craft of teaching and is very knowledgeable and skilled in it. She consistently advocates for students and spends a great deal of time and energy assisting them as they strive for academic success. Gwen has earned the respect of not only the students and their parents but of her colleagues. Spending time in Gwen’s classroom is always a joy,” Nagel said.

This is the second year that the Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (WACTE) has sponsored the Early Career and Mentor Teaching Awards. This year, 42 teachers across the state were honored for their professional excellence.

WACTE is a professional organization composed of the Wisconsin institutions that prepare individuals for teacher licensure. WACTE is an affiliate of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

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