A pair of Drury University graduates were recently recognized as two of Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teachers at the spring conference of the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE).
Lyndsey Standage
Lyndsey Standage teaches 3rd through 5th grade at the Discovery School in Springfield. A native of Rogersville, Standage was a standout preservice teacher while completing her undergraduate degree at Drury University. She maintained the high standards necessary to become a 4+1 Graduate Program student, and is completing her master’s now after receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2020. She is currently continuing her Masters in Elementary Curriculum & Instruction at Drury while teaching 3rd-5th graders in person at the STEM-based Discovery School.
In this progressive school, students are assessed individually based on checkpoints while being engaged in project-based learning, experimental learning, and individualized learning through one-on-one lessons. Standage was recognized by MACTE for constantly seeking new resources and ideas for her classroom and her dedication to the teaching profession.
“Lyndsey’s positive attitude is contagious, and her love of education has been apparent since she first stepped foot at Drury,” says Dr. Natalie Precise, interim dean of Drury’s School of Education and Child Development. “Keep up the good work, Lyndsey!”
“I am very fortunate to have the resources and education from Drury University and Discovery Center to help make education authentic and engaging for students,” says Standage. “Teaching and watching kids find their potential has been the biggest gift in my life.”
Naaman Burns
Naaman Burns teaches 5th grade at Freedom Elementary School in Waynesville. Burns is a 2018 graduate of Drury University’s School of Education and Child Development. He served in the United States Marine Corps for three years as a motor transportation operator and completed elementary certification at the Drury GO branch campus in St. Robert.
Burns is a joy to work with and always has a smile on his face according to Melissa Vernon, principal at Freedom Elementary.
“Mr. Burns is patient with his students and his number one strength is his ability to build a positive rapport with his students,” she said in his nomination. “His students benefit greatly from having a male role model who also understands the realities of military life since so many students in the Waynesville district are dependents of active-duty military personnel. Mr. Burns emphasizes a growth mindset and seeks feedback and strategies to improve his practice. He is a contributing factor in the overall positive climate at Freedom Elementary and his students absolutely love him.”
About MACTE
The Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) is a state affiliate of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and represents the educator preparation programs across the state. The Outstanding Beginning Teacher Awards recognize teachers in their first two years of service who demonstrate excellence in serving children in school districts across Missouri. Award recipients were selected based on recommendations from Missouri’s teacher education programs and a recommendation from candidates’ school districts. The spring ceremony was held virtually earlier this month this year due to social distancing requirements.
To view the full list of award winners and their incredible stories, visit: www.macte.net.
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