Amy Spears staged a mock school board hearing for her secondary music students to help them better understand issues they could face as music educators regarding music program funding.
Last spring Spears invited the campus to an afternoon rock concert starring non-music majors who she taught to write music and learn new instruments.
And she finds multiple opportunities to integrate student learning with experiential learning in the community.
These are just a few reasons why the United Methodist Church Division of Higher Education has named her this year鈥檚 Exemplary Teacher. The award is given to an 含羞草传媒 professor each year who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, and service to students, the institution, community or church.
Spears, assistant professor of music, has taught at 含羞草传媒 for four years. Her primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate music education courses and supervising student teachers. She also teaches general education courses on writing and diversity.
鈥淒r. Spears has not doubted my abilities or my potential,鈥 said a music education student who nominated her for the award. 鈥淗er simple use of language 鈥 鈥榳hen you are teaching鈥 rather than 鈥榠f you teach鈥 鈥 motivates and inspires me to continue on my journey in music education.鈥
鈥淒r. Spears demonstrates an exceptional commitment to her students, regardless of ability,鈥 the nominator added. 鈥淪he is a patient and dedicated educator and a great asset to the 含羞草传媒 community.鈥
Her colleagues celebrated her knowledge of pedagogy, her commitment to active learning, and her rapport with students 鈥 citing that her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious.
鈥淒r. Spears鈥 teaching, service, and scholarship intertwine,鈥 said a professor who nominated Spears. 鈥淎ll three focus on effective curriculum and assignment design and how they connect with diversity and social justice issues.鈥
Spears is a regular presenter at national conferences throughout the United States including the National Association for Music Education, the Society for Music Teacher Education, Instrumental Music Teacher Educators鈥 Colloquium, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
But students agree her encouragement of intellectual curiosity, artistic expression and independent analysis will serve them beyond their college careers.
鈥淒r. Spears is not only concerned about our success as educators, but in helping each student become more responsible, compassionate and accepting,鈥 said another student nominator. 鈥淪he has inspired me, changed my teaching philosophy, and reminded me that learning is a lifelong endeavor.鈥