Three Grace College Seniors Awarded for Excellence in Student Teaching

Three seniors from Grace College were recently honored for excellence in student teaching: Sadie Roberts, Rebecca Steininger and Zoe Marsh.

“These ladies exemplify the excellence, both in and out of the classroom, of Grace College graduates,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the School of Education at Grace College. “We are very proud of the effort they put into their student teaching and education,” she said.

Each year the Grace College School of Education selects one or more students who demonstrate excellence in their role as student teachers. Recipients are awarded a plaque and recognition for their achievements in the classroom.

Roberts of New Castle, Indiana, was named the Outstanding Prospective Elementary Education Teacher.

According to Roberts, her student teaching experience with Laurie Fredericks at North Webster Elementary School in North Webster, Indiana, was a rewarding experience.

“The entire process was such a blessing,” said Roberts. “My supervising teacher was such a support for me. She became a very dear friend in the process, and the students I was placed with taught me so much and gave me so much joy; I couldn’t be more grateful to them.”

This fall, Roberts hopes to find a position at the school corporation she graduated from in Henry County.  “I love Henry County, Indiana, and I see myself living and teaching there for many years to come,” said Roberts.

Steininger of Bartlett, Illinois, was named the Outstanding Prospective Special Education Teacher.

Steininger realized her knack for teaching while leading camps and vacation Bible schools through her youth group. “I remember taking a break after teaching a small lesson to some kids and thinking to myself that I had never felt so at peace and full of purpose at the same time,” said Steininger. “That feeling helped me start piecing together what I was coming to realize was God’s calling on my life.”

Eventually, Steininger decided to major in elementary education and play soccer at Grace College. During her senior year, she completed a year-long residency at Jefferson Elementary where she was able to complete her student teaching and learn first-hand from special education teachers.

This fall, Steininger will remain in Warsaw to teach as the fourth through sixth grade resource room teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. “I am so excited to meet my students and learn more about the world of special education,” said Steininger. “I can’t wait to grow alongside my students and learn how to better serve them and the other teachers and staff at Lincoln Elementary.”

Zoe Marsh of Indianapolis, Indiana, was named Outstanding Prospective Secondary Education Teacher.

Marsh credits her grandfather, her grandmother and her mother, all retired educators, for inspiring her to pursue teaching. “Through their examples, I saw how educators can make a difference in students’ lives and was inspired to do the same,” said Marsh.

As a French education major, Marsh plans to move to Germany this summer to serve as the fifth through eighth grade French teacher at Black Forest Academy (BFA), a missionary boarding school.

“Expatriates and missionary children attend BFA in pursuit of a Christ-centered, quality education, which will later prepare them for higher education in America,” said Marsh. “I am excited to mentor, encourage and walk alongside my new students, both in and outside the classroom.”

To learn more about Grace College’s School of Education, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-education/.