McKendree University Assistant Professor of Education Named This Year’s Emerson Award Winner

(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 14, 2024) - Dr. Katie Alford, an assistant professor of education at McKendree University, is this year’s recipient of the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award for her outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and to her students. She was chosen by the university’s top administrators and received an engraved crystal apple, along with additional Emerson recognition. The award also includes an opportunity to apply for an Emerson grant to support supplemental classroom services or materials at an award recipient’s school.

A resident of Troy, Ill., Dr. Alford has served McKendree since 2019 and is the university’s director of teacher education. She has been focused on securing McKendree’s future and has been an efficient, thoughtful, organized, and communicative leader in developing the university’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program and online Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs. Currently, she helps oversee more than 400 education students in the field and coordinates these efforts with more than 60 supervisors.

“Dr. Alford has been a pivotal part in the launch of our Paraprofessional+ Pathway program and our MAT program. None of this would have happened without her tireless efforts,” said Daniel C. Dobbins, president of McKendree University. “This award is well-deserved.”

With a passion for teaching, Dr. Alford engages with her students, ensuring fair treatment and full participation of all her students. She is genuine and sincere in her desire to make sure they are seen, heard, and feel accepted and equal within her classes. The students themselves have also sung her praises, commenting on her knowledge, creativity, authenticity, level of care, and the high expectations she sets for them throughout the semester.

“Receiving this award is a huge honor,” Dr. Alford said. “I love my work at McKendree. It is so rewarding to see our students succeed in the field and become confident, knowledgeable teachers who are excited to make a difference in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Supporting new teachers is a rewarding career – and being a part of their transition from student to teacher brings me such joy!”

Dr. Alford is a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), a nonprofit organization that helps women pursue their educational goals, and the English Language Arts Teacher Educators subset (E.L.A.T.E.) of the National Council for Teachers of English. She has also presented at Teaching for Excellence workshops and has been an enthusiastic participant in everything she does.

McKendree alumni who also received the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award include the following:

 

• Stephanie Lake '17, a resident of St. Charles, Mo., who teaches math at St. Charles West High School.
• Suze Gibson MAED '20, a resident of O'Fallon, Ill., who teaches humanities at Roxana Senior High School in Roxana, Ill.
• Casey (Vinson) Restivo MAED '11, a resident of Lebanon, Ill., who teaches fourth grade at Shiloh Middle School in Shiloh, Ill.

 

-McK-