Princess Moss (center) poses with COE students during the Educator-in-Residence event May 2 at the Stafford campus. Pictured from left, Courtney Cielakie, Jessica Mills, Megan Miller, and Tiffany Suggs.
Princess Moss was the featured educator at the second annual College of Education Educator-in-Residence event May 1 at the UMW Stafford campus. The day-long event also featured graduate presentations, workshops, and an award ceremony.
Moss, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from UMW in 1983 and began teaching in Louisa, Va. that same year, discussed how she and the National Education Association (NEA) are fighting for today’s teachers.
“I believe that those who teach students and work in our schools are in the best position to talk authentically about what happens in our classrooms and to lead our profession,” said Moss, who was elected to the NEA executive committee in July 2011 for a second three-year term. “Over the course of the past five years, I have witnessed my professional organization taking a stand and insisting that those who do the work and know the students best should be in charge.”
The former member of the UMW Board of Visitors concluded by issuing a challenge to the 2012 COE graduates.
“Remember what’s most important to you and use it as an anchor. Find a mentor, a trusted friend, someone who believes in you and, yes, someone who will tell the truth,” Moss said. “Make education a career and not just a job.”
To end the day’s events, several graduates received awards. Erika Clevenger and Mariana Hermosilla received the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Virginia Scholars Awards, Marian Martin received the Barbara Bishop Mann Award, Barbara Maher received the Outstanding Master of Education Student Award, and Veronica Shipe received the Outstanding Student Teacher Award.
About Brynn Boyer