Celebrating Teachers: Coyle Counselor Honored with Outstanding Mentor Educator Award

Monday, February 29, 2016

The OSU College of Education recognized Coyle Public Schools counselor Tracy Gustafson with an OSU Outstanding Mentor Educator Award at a school assembly on Feb. 25. Part of an effort to celebrate teachers, the Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award recognizes and rewards excellence among educators who mentor OSU teacher candidates during their in clinical practice student internships.

“Congratulations to Tracy Gustafson, an outstanding school counselor and a deserving recipient of this award,” Interim Dean Dr. Robert Davis said. “Mentor educators are vitally important to the work we in the College of Education do to prepare future educators. We are fortunate to work with so many passionate and talented educators who are willing to invest in our students.”

During a school-wide assembly, Gustafson was presented with an award plaque, gift basket, balloons and flowers to recognize her work as an outstanding mentor educator in counseling. OSU mascot Pistol Pete was on hand to congratulate Gustafson, to greet Coyle students and staff and pose for pictures. 

Beginning this semester, one mentor educator from three categories – elementary/ early childhood education, secondary education, and Other/PK-12 – has been selected and will be recognized at his/her respective school site. Gustafson was the winner in the Other/PK-12 category. She serves as the counselor all of Coyle’s students, PK-12. Keirstin Sixkiller, a master’s student in school counseling, nominated Gustafson for the honor. Sixkiller serves as a clinical practice intern with Gustafson and Coyle Schools.   

Jenks West Intermediate math and science teacher Brenda Wilson was honored in late January with the elementary/early childhood category. The winner for Secondary Education will be announced later this semester.