Vandal Outstanding Educator Award

The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences honors educators with the Vandal Outstanding Educator Award

Teachers shape the future by educating and empowering individuals. They profoundly impact students' academic, social, and emotional development and contribute to student's overall progress and well-being. The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) is excited to honor all educators on October 28, 2023, during the Idaho Vandal Football game.

All educators may purchase discounted tickets to the game.

In addition, EHHS will honor six Vandal Outstanding Educator Award recipients.

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year's prestigious "Vandal Outstanding Educator" award!

Brian Smith

Brian Smith of Moscow, ID, has demonstrated what it means to be a compassionate principal. Mr. Smith actively engages the students to make school a fun learning place. Mr. Smith "embodies the role of an elementary school principal and goes beyond to try and make an impact in each child's school experience." His nominator added, "he knows each kid that walks the halls and makes a point to engage with each student he sees. He is also very accessible and easy to communicate with."

Her compassion, dedication to her students, and her love for education helped students find the best way to succeed academically and find their place as a student.

Alaysha Whitworth

Alaysha Whitworth, a high school teacher in Idaho Falls, ID, dramatically impacts the lives of the students she touches. Ms. Whitworth "helped all of us (students) realize that success in high school is more than academics. It is more than popularity. Success in high school is setting your future up for success while enjoying the present." Her nominator also said, "...she is a teacher, but she teaches more than science. She teaches how to be proactive, build confidence, and secure a successful future."

Staci Heiser

Staci Heiser of Post Falls, ID, has made an impact as a school counselor. Her compassion, dedication to her students, and her love for education helped students find the best way to succeed academically and find their place as a student. "As I grow in my profession, I often remember how she handled situations when I was a student. She created a space of inclusion, respect, and peace for me while I was in some of my most difficult times. I strive to give my students the same space and environment. Every student deserves an educator to be in your corner like Staci Heiser." said Ms. Heiser's student nominator.

Hanna Kuhns

Hanna Kuhns, an art teacher in Coeur d'Alene ID, "is an educator who puts others first; she is kind, compassionate, creative, and thoughtful. She was always giving us art students the best opportunities." Her student nominator went on to say, " I think if it weren't for her art classes, my life would be very different. She taught me that art isn't just about the final product but it's about the process. I met so many friends in her class because she would give us thought-provoking prompts to get us to communicate as a team."

Sara Kindall

School support staff often do the work of ten; that's exactly what Cambridge, ID school secretary Sara Kindall does. Ms. Kindall is described as "...one of my biggest role models and handles all her responsibilities within our school with no complaints. I am so thankful to know Sara Kindall." Her nominator continued to describe her as "...always having every student's best interest in mind in everything that she does."

Reid Atwood

The Moscow ID teacher, Reid Atwood, "supports his students to explore and apply life skills, including organization, study skills, and advocating for what they need to be successful in school and beyond." Mr. Atwood's nominator said, "He proactively reaches out to his students about accommodations they may need to use in his courses, communicates with families to build relationships, and welcomes feedback on his curriculum and teaching- particularly as it relates to being a culturally responsive teacher. He knows his students well and is always looking for ways to grow as an educator."

Let's celebrate the 2023 Vandal Outstanding Educators and all educators to express our appreciation for their outstanding educational contributions. Join us on October 28, 2023, in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome for an award ceremony that promises to be memorable.

Educators, thank you for your unwavering dedication to shaping the future. You are an inspiration to us all!