AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Joan Shiring, a clinical associate professor in the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, received the Elizabeth Shatto Massey Award for Excellence in Teacher Education at a dinner in the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center on Thursday, Sept. 20.
The Massey Award recognizes a “teacher of teachers,” one who inspires and prepares future elementary and secondary school instructors. The $12,000 award was presented by University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr., Texas Exes President Darrell Windham, and John and Elizabeth Shatto Massey.
Dr. Shiring is a clinical associate professor in the Language and Literacy Studies area of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She has been a faculty member in the College of Education for 20 years and is the coordinator of the Secondary English Language Arts program. Dr. Shiring’s major contributions and teaching include teaching for the UTeach Liberal Arts program, participating in the Warren Fellowship Program and the Teacher Education Diversity Initiative, integrating technology in the classroom and working with urban schools and students.
“As a non-tenure track faculty member who has been focused on teacher preparation full time, Joan has been simply remarkable in the commitment, dedication and expertise she exhibits,” said Manuel Justiz, dean of the College of Education. “She epitomizes a model teacher by staying abreast of the field while making important contributions such as emphasizing technology integration and developing online resource centers. Her current students are very appreciative of her guidance and support, but her former students adore her. They have learned through experience how important and beneficial her instruction has been.”
Dr. Shiring was selected from a committee of University of Texas representatives and alumni who are active in public education. Student evaluations and the recommendations of peers, students and program directors were used to evaluate the candidates from the university’s seven teacher preparation programs.
Also recognized at the dinner were the three previous Massey Fellows: Dr. Lisa Goldstein, Dr. Bob Duke and Dr. Jo Worthy. Each received an additional stipend of $1,000.
Named for Elizabeth “Libba” Shatto Massey, the award was created by alumnus John Massey to honor his wife’s lifelong dedication to public education. Ms. Massey received her degree in education in 1961 from The University of Texas and pursued a career in teaching. She remains committed to education and is chair of The College of Education Advisory Council and an endowed member of the Executive Committee of the Chancellor’s Council for The University of Texas System.
Rewarding excellence in teaching, scholarship and professional achievement has been a central theme of Texas Exes activities. The Association also awards the Texas Exes Teaching Awards, James W. Vick Texas Exes Awards for Academic Advising and the Jean Holloway Award for Excellence in Teaching.
For more information contact: Erin Huddleston, Texas Exes, 512-471-3805.
