East Central College NEA Honors Local Teachers Making a Difference


May 9, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Educators have a profound effect on students in many capacities. However, they aren’t always thanked for their hard work and dedication.

“I sometimes assign students to write about their educational experiences,” said East Central College English Instructor Sue Henderson. “In conversations we have about their papers, students often mention teachers who have had a positive influence on them. When I ask if they have ever let their teachers know that, the answer is usually ‘no.’”

Henderson set out to change that. As president of the National Education Association (NEA) ECC chapter, she created the “Inspirers of Excellence” Award in 2017.

“We posed a challenge to our students,” she said. “We wanted to know what teacher had an impact on their lives. Who inspired you to do your best? Are you here at ECC because a teacher encouraged you along the way?”

The response was amazing, and 25 teachers were selected for the award!

2017 “Inspirers of Excellence” Award Winners:

  • Andrew Eggert, St. Francis Borgia
  • Nathan Caldwell, St. Francis Borgia
  • Natalie Martin, Maries R-1 Vienna
  • Jamie Hoener, New Haven High School
  • Melissa Schwab, New Haven (former teacher)
  • Donna Hinson, Owensville
  • Dale Long, Owensville
  • Shannon Englebrecht, Rolla
  • Lea Hickerson, Rolla
  • Benn Martin, St. Clair
  • Matt Wiegers, Sullivan
  • Mary Weidenhaft, Sullivan (retired)
  • Mary Jane John, Sullivan
  • Ashley Crump, Sullivan
  • Doug Rice, Union
  • Cassie Rice, Union
  • Josh Hall, Union
  • Heidi Wildt, Warrenton
  • Michael Shaw, Warrenton
  • Tim Rinne, Washington
  • Jennifer Baker, Washington
  • Christy Clark, Washington (former teacher)
  • Tricia Holm, Washington
  • Tom Haas, Washington
  • Andres Jackson, MICDS

Teachers were notified of the award in May, and they will each receive a certificate acknowledging the achievement. The award corresponded with National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Appreciation Day.

Picture: ECC NEA member DeAnna Cassat presents the “Inspirers of Excellence” Award to Andrew Eggert and Nathan Caldwell at St. Francis Borgia High School.