Two Southeast Missouri State University alumnae recently were recognized with Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards for their accomplishments and dedication to their students and the teaching profession.
Southeast graduate Amy Sheehan receives the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award from David Rabe, Emerson vice president of corporate social responsibility.
Amy Sheehan of Caseyville, Illinois, and Cassie Peterein of Festus, Missouri, were among 100 local educators honored for their commitment to shaping students’ lives Nov. 17 at Emerson’s 30th annual Excellence in Teaching Awards ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Clayton, Missouri. The event recognizes classroom instructors in the St. Louis area, selected by their school administrators, for their achievements and dedication to the field of education. Now in its 30th year, the awards pay tribute to area educators – from kindergarten teachers to college professors. Honorees received a Tiffany & Co. crystal apple in recognition of their service.
Sheehan teaches kindergarten through 5th grade physical education at St. Jacob Elementary School and Marine Elementary School in the Triad Community Unit School District 2. She graduated from Southeast in 2000 with Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in psychology and physical education.
Peterein teaches kindergarten through 12th grade gifted and talented students, and theatre, at Platin Primary, Telegraph Intermediate, Danby Middle School and Jefferson High School in the Jefferson County R-7 School District. She graduated from Southeast in December 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in mass communication, public relations option.
2001 Southeast graduate Cassie Peterein receives the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award from David Rabe, Emerson vice president of corporate social responsibility.
“The role and importance of teachers in shaping young people’s lives cannot be overstated. Emerson’s Excellence in Teaching Awards provide an opportunity for our company to celebrate the accomplishments of some of the best teachers from across the St. Louis area,” said David J. Rabe, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Emerson. “We are proud to recognize our 30th annual class of Excellence in Teaching honorees, who give their time and talents unconditionally to their students.”
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program began in St. Louis in 1989 and is sponsored annually by Emerson, the St. Louis-headquartered global technology and engineering company. Excellence in Teaching Award recipients, who teach grades K through 12, have the opportunity to apply for a Gold Star Grant from Emerson. These competitive grants fund educational projects that reflect the key pillars of Emerson’s identity – technology, innovation and leadership. Since 2006, Emerson has awarded $669,000 to area teachers and schools through its Gold Star Grant program.
Nationwide, Emerson donated $8 million to education programs, individual schools and scholarship recipients in 2018.