UNO Professor Receives High Teaching Honor
If we all take a moment to think about it, most of us can recall a teacher who inspired us, who molded us into the people we are today.
For one Omaha woman, Ischel Gonzalez Kelso, that teacher is Ferial Pearson, a former educator at Omaha South High School and current professor in UNO’s College of Education.
Ischel nominated Ferial for the 2016 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards, which recognize some of the country’s most inspirational teachers.
In her nomination essay, Ischel wrote, "Ferial’s title was teacher, yes, but her title is not entirely accurate. 'Teachers' go home at the end of the workday. 'Teachers' get some days off. But Ferial is her work. Her work as an educator does not stop at a time of day, completion of lesson plans, or finished grading tasks for the day. She is always Ferial, the soldier for love, acceptance, equality, and education, and I have witnessed that she never takes a day off."
On March 22, 2016, Ferial was selected as one of just 14 recipients of the awards. Please join in congratulating her on this high honor.
To read the full nomination letter or to view the list of all recipients, visit The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards 2016 Awardees website.