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Three educators win WMU teaching awards

Sept. 21, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Three outstanding teachers from Kalamazoo are receiving a special award from the Western Michigan University College of Education Alumni Society in acknowledgement of their achievements in the classroom.

The three are recipients of the 2005 Golden Apple Award, an honor bestowed annually on exemplary alumni of the WMU College of Education. This year's honorees are: Dr. Josephine Barry-Davis, WMU assistant professor of teaching, learning and leadership; Dr. W. Craig Misner, superintendent of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency; and Dr. A.L. "Mike" Sebaly, WMU professor emeritus of education and professional development. They will be honored at the 2005 Golden Apple Awards Dinner on Oct. 7 at the Fetzer Center on the WMU campus.

Now in its eighth year, the awards program will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and an awards presentation beginning at 7 p.m. The event is designed to honor outstanding people who are working or retired from the many professions associated with the educational experience and who represent excellence and commitment.

Josephine Barry-Davis was singled out for being a dedicated and creative educator and mentor to WMU students. "Dr. Barry-Davis is widely known as one of Western's most effective educators," wrote one nominator. "She is highly regarded by her students as can be seen on the student ratings she receives at the end of each semester." A second nominator also noted her impact on students, saying, "She challenges them to think critically about themselves and about their future careers in education. She is highly respected and loved by her students."

W. Craig Misner was acknowledged for his innovative work and decisive action to improve education. An example offered by one nominator was the KRESA Leadership Institute, in which Misner "pulled together one of the most impressive groups of educational leaders in the State of Michigan to design the new institute," the nominator wrote. "Craig's networking capacity amazed me, whether it was with local and state policy makers or national school associations. I witnessed their prominent respect for him." The institute today is recognized nationally for its accomplishments.

A.L. "Mike" Sebaly was extolled for the impact he has had on both students and the community during a long and distinguished career. "Mike's 40-year career at Western left a legacy as an influential force in the state of Michigan and the nation in the realm of teacher education and certification," wrote one nominator. "His years of teaching, the tasks he accepted and carried out so professionally, along with his writings, make him a viable candidate for this award." Another nominator noted Sebaly's excellent reputation as director of student teaching at WMU as well as his many education activities and the contributions he has made to the lives of young people.

Reservations for the $25-per-person dinner are due Sept. 30. For reservations or more information, contact Amy Burns at (269) 387-2966 or amy.burns@wmich.edu.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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