Buffalo State student Scott Silverman, ’09, has won the prestigious Association of Teacher Educators/Kappa Delta Pi National Student Teacher of the Year Award.

Catherine Lange, assistant professor of earth science and science education, said that Silverman applied for the award while he was doing his student teaching. “It’s quite a rigorous process,” said Lange, explaining that the award required the submission of a portfolio and video as well as letters of support.

Silverman conducted his student teaching under fellow Buffalo State alumnus Kenneth Huff, ’92, ’98. Huff is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

“As a preservice teacher,” said Silverman, “it was a tremendous experience to work with a nationally recognized teacher. There is no finer place to go to learn to become a science teacher than Buffalo State.”

Silverman's awards and achievement demonstrate an outstanding teacher in the making. At Buffalo State, he received several awards, including the Faculty Recognition Award for Early Program Excellence in Earth Sciences, the David Vernon Bullough Award for Overall Academic Excellence, and the Swartney-Harrison Passion for Teaching Award. He is now teaching full-time at a local school and is enrolled at Buffalo State's Graduate School in the multidisciplinary studies program.