We’re building a legacy of future educators who will inspire, lead and make a lasting impact,” says WilmU Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Ashley Wilson.
That commitment is already taking shape through students like Austin Colazzo, an Elementary Education (K–6) major in WilmU’s College of Education and Liberal Arts, who earned fifth place in the Collegiate Creative Lecture competition at the National Educators Rising Conference in Portland, Oregon.
The national conference brings together middle school, high school and college students who are interested in careers in education. Participants take part in competitive events, leadership development sessions and workshops designed to strengthen their teaching skills.
Colazzo was one of five collegiate students from Delaware to place in a national Educators Rising Collegiate Conference competition. His achievement came during Wilmington University’s first year participating in both the Delaware and National Educators Rising Collegiate conferences.
Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and Literature Dr. Kate Cottle served as Colazzo’s mentor for the competition, helping him prepare for both the state and national levels. Dr. Wilson served as his advisor as he represented the University.
“Dr. Wilson asked me to mentor Austin for this year’s speech competition, and because he was the first Wilmington University student to compete, it was an exciting opportunity,” says Dr. Cottle. “His idea of using nontraditional assessments to reach all kinds of learners resonates with many educators. Austin understands how to read an audience, adjust his pacing and connect with people — qualities that will serve him well as a teacher. I’m proud of his accomplishment as one of the top five collegiate competitors nationally.”
Colazzo’s placement gave Wilmington University a strong first showing in the Educators Rising collegiate program and reflected the preparation, creativity and commitment he brings to his future classrooms.
—Maria Hess
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
We’re building a legacy of future educators who will inspire, lead and make a lasting impact,” says WilmU Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Ashley Wilson.
That commitment is already taking shape through students like Austin Colazzo, an Elementary Education (K–6) major in WilmU’s College of Education and Liberal Arts, who earned fifth place in the Collegiate Creative Lecture competition at the National Educators Rising Conference in Portland, Oregon.
The national conference brings together middle school, high school and college students who are interested in careers in education. Participants take part in competitive events, leadership development sessions and workshops designed to strengthen their teaching skills.
Colazzo was one of five collegiate students from Delaware to place in a national Educators Rising Collegiate Conference competition. His achievement came during Wilmington University’s first year participating in both the Delaware and National Educators Rising Collegiate conferences.
Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and Literature Dr. Kate Cottle served as Colazzo’s mentor for the competition, helping him prepare for both the state and national levels. Dr. Wilson served as his advisor as he represented the University.
“Dr. Wilson asked me to mentor Austin for this year’s speech competition, and because he was the first Wilmington University student to compete, it was an exciting opportunity,” says Dr. Cottle. “His idea of using nontraditional assessments to reach all kinds of learners resonates with many educators. Austin understands how to read an audience, adjust his pacing and connect with people — qualities that will serve him well as a teacher. I’m proud of his accomplishment as one of the top five collegiate competitors nationally.”
Colazzo’s placement gave Wilmington University a strong first showing in the Educators Rising collegiate program and reflected the preparation, creativity and commitment he brings to his future classrooms.
—Maria Hess
Want to read more in-depth stories? Explore our latest magazine articles.
