Young Teacher Award
Brigetta Ledvina, 2000
"Brigetta Ledvina, this recognition of the excellence of your teaching is particularly appropriate in light of your own efforts to train, motivate, and inspire teachers of music. In your four years as a member of the Lawrence faculty you have brought to the Music Education program vigor, methodological sophistication, and attention to the needs of an increasingly diverse and complex American society. And your students have responded. One writes that before going into your class 'I wasn't even sure I wanted to pursue an education major; but now I am teaching fourth graders and fully committed to music education.' Another writes that the 'reason why I want to be a music teacher [is because of your strong belief] in music education and in the impact teachers have on the world.' Yet another--capturing the opinions of many students and colleagues--praises your 'passion, and the passion you cause in others.' There is perhaps no diner tribute to any teacher than evidence of having inspired a love of teaching in one's students.
Both on campus and off, you have carried your devotion to music and to teaching to audiences beyond those in your classrooms, serving on our own committees for Teacher and Music Education and on leadership bodies of state organizations including the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association and the Wisconsin Music Educators Association. Your work as faculty advisor to the Lawrence chapter of the Music Educators National Conference helped lead to a national award recognizing extraordinary dedication to our students' professional development.
Few members of our community, moreover, have brought to their teaching or service a more powerful and abiding commitment to the recognition and celebration of diversity. Through readings and performances in your courses, through your work on committees and councils on campus, and by and through your personal example, you have pursued tirelessly the goal--articulated in our mission statement--of seeking 'diversity within the university community as a means to enrich teaching and learning and to promote tolerance and understanding.'
It seems apt to conclude with yet another testimonial from a former student, who, after praising your 'insight, enthusiasm, and professionalism,' observes, 'I hope I can have a comparable effect on my students as you do on yours.' Many of us, I'm certain, would say the same, and many take pride in the fact that you have returned as a product of a Lawrence education to enrich the experience of later generations of Lawrentians.
I am delighted to recognize you with the year 2000 Young Teacher Award."