UC, Xavier and NKU Partner To Honor Outstanding Local Teachers

The presidents of Northern Kentucky University, the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University are joining together to honor teachers who exemplify the best in classroom instruction and professional involvement with their schools and community.

This is the fourth year the collaboration, known as “Conversations, Connections, Collaborations” or C3 has honored local teachers.

The teachers will be recognized at a dinner on Friday, May 9 at the Schiff Family Conference Center located at Xavier University’s Cintas Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. The dinner is by invitation only.

Guy Doud, a National Teacher of the Year, will be the keynote speaker. His presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. There is no cost to attend Doud’s presentation, however, reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call 513-745-3477.

Doud was chosen from more than two and one-half million teachers as the National Teacher of the Year for the United States. Since receiving the honor, he has addressed hundreds of groups including the National School Board Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Doud's message deals with those things that are so important to a value-based education: love, family, faith and dreaming dreams.

This year two elementary, two middle school and two high school teachers were selected from the Greater Cincinnati area to receive an Outstanding Teacher Awards for 2008. The winners will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an award plaque noting their achievement.

The 2008 C3 award winners are:

Outstanding Elementary Teachers

• Barbara James, Riverview East Academy
• Jennifer Cary, Pinter Elementary School

Outstanding Middle School Teachers

• Karen Schmidt, Blessed Sacrament School
• Janet M. McManus, St. James of the Valley School

Outstanding High School Teachers

• Kevin Stachowski, McAuley High School
• Shelly Rodenkirchen, Villa Madonna Academy

“It is so important to honor and reward these outstanding teachers,” said Xavier University President Michael J. Graham, S.J.  “They have chosen a very noble and nurturing profession and their work ultimately benefits all of us.”

“The C3 program is one of the collaborations that we at NKU are most proud of,” said Northern Kentucky University President James Votruba. “Our region will rise of fall – flourish or flounder – not in local boardrooms, but in local classrooms. We join Xavier and UC in honoring those elementary, middle and high school teachers who exemplify the spirit and dedication needed to inspire the next generation to become successful students, productive workers, responsible citizens and regional stewards.”

"Meeting the individual needs of 20 or 30 students every hour of every day for nine to 10 months a year is a challenge few of us can imagine. Yet, our region is fortunate to have teachers who do so with a keen commitment to professional excellence. The teaching profession is so vitally important to the success of our children, their future and our community," said University of Cincinnati President Nancy L. Zimpher.