2020 Masters Rising Star Award Recipient
She teaches English to young refugees through Bethany Christian Services and has crafted a presentation on her teaching tips for conducting task-based need analysis and task-based teaching materials. Her presentation at the 2019 MI-TESOL conference was standing room only and she was invited by an organizer of the Michigan Association of Bilingual Education conference to be a featured speaker at their 2020 conference. As a Graduate Assistant (GA), she is always ready and willing to help no matter the task and as the most experienced GA in the department she took on the responsibility to lead and teach the new GAs this past year. She assists in literature searches and reviews and completes data entry and analyses.
She has also serves as an inter-rater and data collector for the $2.6 million Project ELATE grant administered by her department. She supports the goals of the Literacy Studies unit and participates and helps out in their advisory council meetings and plans and helps out with the annual conference.
Quote from nomination
“As an international student from Egypt, Amira brings a unique perspective and a high regard for diverse learners related to language, literacy, curriculum and instruction. We are proud to have her as a student, research assistant, and grant team member.”- Dr. Susan Piazza, supporting letter
Acceptance speech
Watch Amira Eldemerdash accept the 2020 Masters Rising Star award.
About the award
This award recognizes a College of Education and Human Development master's student who has demonstrated outstanding potential in scholarship, teaching, and/or professional leadership within Western Michigan University. The recipients shall have demonstrated a quality of performance that indicates that they will continue to develop into distinguished members of their profession.
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About the College of Education and Human Development
As the cornerstone of Western Michigan University, the College of Education and Human Development continues to build upon its rich tradition of excellence by facilitating the preparation and growth of pre K-12 teachers, human service professionals, innovative designers, and health and wellness specialists. Learn more about the programs offered from the College of Education and Human Development.