Tell A Teacher: You Mattered

No matter how many lectures a professor gives, no matter how many lesson plans a teacher prepares, no matter how many tests are given and graded, what really matters in any classroom is that special connection between a teacher and a student. When a teacher helps a student to open a door on new exciting knowledge about the world, and about possibilities for the student’s own future, lives are changed forever.

This semester, the Year of the Teacher at Buffalo State is inviting all full-time undergraduate and graduate students to join the celebration. The “Nominate a Teacher” contest encourages students to complete the nomination form to celebrate that special teacher. The contest is sponsored by the School of Education, the Student Life Office, and the Career Development Center.

“We want students to be part of this special year-long celebration,” said Stephanie Zuckerman-Aviles, director of the Career Development Center. “And, of course, if you have a contest you have to have a prize. The winning student will receive an iPad Mini.”

The heart of the contest is a 200-word mini-essay in which a student describes how a particular teacher made a positive impact on the student’s life. Students can name any teacher, from a kindergarten instructor to a professor, who made that all-important difference.

A committee will review the entries and select the finalists. The entire campus will vote on the finalists to select the winner. The iPad Mini and a plaque honoring the selected teacher will be awarded at a ceremony following the contest.

Deadline for entries is February 24; voting will open to the campus community on March 10 and close on March 17.

"We've brought in some exciting speakers and celebrated our own alumni for the work they are doing," said Wendy Paterson, dean of the School of Education. "But for teachers, students are the most important people. We're so happy to have them take part in this very meaningful Year of the Teacher. It is true that teachers rarely know the profound effect they have had on our lives. This is a chance to tell them."