EMU "Teachers of Promise" (l. to r.): Alyssa Roy, Peyton Erb, Ebony Dennis, Maria Zehr, John Hostetter, Abby Erb, Steven Rittenhouse, Sarah Beck, Kristina Reinhardt and Hailee Rittle. Photo by Sandy Browscombe

EMU Students Named ‘Teachers of Promise’

Ten Eastern Mennonite University seniors have been named “Teachers of Promise” based on their academic credentials, their commitment to the teaching profession and their exemplary character.

The students were among those recognized at the 8th annual Teachers of Promise (TOP) Institute held Mar. 25-26 at James Madison University. More than 200 education majors from the Commonwealth’s 37 teacher-accrediting institutions attended the gathering that celebrates and recognizes the state’s most outstanding pre-service teachers.

The students are: Sarah Beck, special education, Archbold, Ohio; Ebony Dennis, health and physical education, Aberdeen, Md.; Abby Erb, elementary education, Hesston, Kan.; Peyton Erb, elementary education and TESOL, Harrisonburg; John Hostetter, English education, Harrisonburg; Kristina Reinhardt, elementary education, Dalton, Ohio; Steven Rittenhouse, math education, Green Lane, Pa.; Hailee Rittle, special education, Jonestown, Pa.; Alyssa Roy, elementary education and special education, Charlottesville, Va.; and Maria Zehr, elementary education and music education, Orrville, Ohio.

The institute featured interactive workshops delivered by teachers with distinguished honors, including Virginia teachers of the year, Milken national award winners, nationally board certified teachers and national teachers of the year. Each student was paired with a mentor, who can provide support for years to come.

“Qualities that the education faculty used in selecting our ‘Teachers of Promise’ from across the program included showing outstanding potential as as educator, exhibiting a strong commitment to the profession and exemplifying the characteristics of a reflective, caring practitioner,” said Sandra L. (Sandy) Brownscombe, professor of education. “As a department we are humbled by the impact that these teachers will have on the lives of all of their future students.”