Provost receives national award
Emporia State University
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tes Mehring, Emporia State University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs and student life, is being honored today in Chicago with a national teacher-education award.
Mehring just found out about the award this week and admitted to being a little overwhelmed. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education has chosen her to receive the 2009 Edward C. Pomeroy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education.
“I’m in shock and awe,” Mehring said. “Reflecting on the caliber of people who’ve received this award in the past, it’s truly an honor to be part of this group.”
Mehring will receive the award today at the association’s annual meeting in Chicago.
The Pomeroy Award recognizes outstanding contributions to teacher education, either through distinguished service to the teacher-education community or through the development and promotion of outstanding practices in teacher education at the collegiate state, or national level.
An accomplished educator and leader of teacher educators and preparation programs, Mehring previously served as dean of The Teachers College at ESU, one of the most highly regarded teacher-preparation programs in the country. She was named to her current post in May, the latest achievement in her 27-year career at ESU.
“Tes has continually supported a vision of professional excellence and standards in teaching, and it’s only fitting that the AACTE recognizes her outstanding contributions to the profession,” said Michael R. Lane, ESU president.
During her tenure as dean, ESU’s Teachers College was named one of four model teacher programs in the nation in Arthur Levine’s report “Educating School Teachers.” The Teachers College was also identified in Edutopia magazine as one of 10 schools of education that are blazing the trail to better teaching practices.
In addition to leadership at ESU, Mehring has played an active part in state, national and international education. She has helped foster the growth of Professional Development Schools, an innovative program that prepares new teachers for success in the classroom. The first PDS collaboration with Olathe Unified School District 233 was recognized by another organization, the Association for Teacher Educators, as the 2008 Distinguished Program in Teacher Education.
Mehring has received much personal and professional recognition during her career. Her individual awards include ESU’s Leadership in Diversity; Kansas Educator of the Year; Distinguished Professional of the Year from the Council for Learning Disabilities; and the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award, ESU’s highest honor for faculty.
“Dr. Mehring’s dedication to the profession has no limits,” said Kay Schallenkamp, chair of the association’s board of directors and former president of ESU. “She has been at the forefront of change in teacher preparation and is a remarkable servant to students, faculty and colleagues across the nation.”
Andy Tompkins, former Kansas commissioner of education and current dean of the School of Education at Pittsburg State University, said, “Dr. Mehring’s record of success cannot be fully measured only by her list of accomplishments. Her integrity and credibility within her profession coupled with her passion for education and continuous improvement have made her one of the most valued professional colleagues in Kansas.”