Despite the challenges faced during the 2020-21 academic year, Carl Albert State College’s Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association, an organization for future teachers, found a way to remain active. In addition to monthly meetings, the chapter hosted Bunco nights for the campus and attended four state conferences.
The chapter adopted literacy as its social justice platform, and held a professional development workshop entitled “Creating Positive Reading Experiences,” read to Heavener elementary students, and sponsored a book poster contest for area fifth graders.
At the recent State Conference, two CASC students were recognized for their leadership and involvement in OAEA. Marlyn Cruz, a 2019 graduate of Heavener High School, received the Outstanding Chapter Leader Award. According to chapter advisor Susan Hill, “Cruz exudes a quiet confidence that makes her an excellent leader.” Serving as the Vice-President of Teacher Quality, Cruz was instrumental in organizing the reading event at Heavener Elementary and the professional development workshop. As a May 2021 graduate of CASC, Cruz plans to attend UAFS in the fall, majoring in math with plans to teach on the high school level.
Mari (Kagen) Monks, a 2020 graduate from Panama, was awarded the Outstanding Underclassman Award. In her first year of OAEA involvement, Monks stepped into the role of Vice-President of Social Justice and spearheaded a contest for fifth graders in LeFlore County, encouraging participants to read a book and draw a poster representing the book. Hill stated, “Kagen adds an energizing dynamic to our group. She is positive, upbeat, friendly and encouraging.” Monks will continue her education this fall at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah where she will pursue a degree in English.
“A world-wide pandemic certainly hampered many of our great plans, but rather than complain about what we couldn’t do, these young ladies were ready to explore what we could do,” said Hill. “I’m so glad the state organization honored their efforts.”
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