Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Outstanding work as preservice teachers has earned two Kansas State University College of Education students the Teacher of Promise award. Recipients are Kirsten Hermreck, senior in secondary education, Garnett, and Hanna Heidebrecht, senior in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics, McPherson.

The prestigious award is presented to two graduating students each semester after the faculty in the College of Education conducts a review and selection process. Each preservice teacher -- formerly called a student teacher -- is then recognized as a Teacher of Promise by the Kansas Department of Education.

"I am so very blessed to have had great instructors and mentors along the way to help me find my niche in education," Hermreck said. "As I look toward my professional career as an educator, I see this as a challenge to keep improving and helping students achieve their personal best inside and outside of my classroom."

Hermreck said she is grateful for the skilled leadership of her instructors in the college and knows they will be there for her in the future.

"I would especially like to thank Mrs. Leslie Pickler, my cooperating teacher, and Mrs. Lou Ann Getz, my clinical instructor," Hermreck said. "Both Mrs. Pickler and Mrs. Getz have taught me so much while interning this semester at Anthony Middle School in Manhattan, and I am so blessed to have them as mentors."

Hermreck would like to be a middle school language arts teacher after graduating in May. She is the daughter of Keith Hermreck, Garnett, and Kim Goff, Salina.

Heidebrecht said it was an honor be named a Teacher of Promise.

"I have been truly blessed to have had the guidance from my professors and cooperating teachers throughout my years in the College of Education," Heidebrecht said. "I strive to learn and grow as an educator each and every day that I am in the classroom, and this award encourages me to continue in my journey to become an effective teacher."

Heidebrecht already knows the kind of classroom she hopes to have.

"I hope to create a safe environment where my students love to learn and keep coming back with a smile," she said. "I hope my enthusiasm for teaching and learning will motivate my students to set high goals for themselves inside and outside of the classroom. I hope to make a difference in my students' lives in the fact that they enjoy school, and I can see growth by the end of the year."

Heidebrecht believes one of the strongest aspects of her teaching programs comes during the clinical teaching experience.

"My experience in the College of Education has been fantastic," she said. "I am fortunate that the College of Education program provides students with many in-classroom experiences. These opportunities provide preservice teachers with real-life experiences to practice the skills and apply the knowledge learned in our classes."

Heidebrecht, the daughter of Jamie and Debi Heidebrecht, graduated from McPherson High School in 2009. After graduating in May, she plans to get married and move to California and begin her teaching career.