September 11, 2008

Indiana educator named Rural Teacher of the Year

Lois Mittino Gray, a science teacher at New Harmony Junior/Senior High School, will be honored at the National Rural Education Association's 100th convention Oct. 27-29 in San Antonio, said John Hill, the association's executive director and visiting professor of educational studies at Purdue.

Gray teaches six lab classes, supervises the daily care of 22 assorted lab animals, and teaches a gifted and talented program. She also is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Indiana after her regular school hours.

She has taught at New Harmony since 1987, starting as a biology teacher educating students from the seventh to 12th grades. She serves on the New Harmony Parks and Recreation board and the New Harmony Garden Club, while promoting science education throughout southern Indiana. She created a senior level human biology class from which students can earn college credits at the University of Southern Indiana.

The Rural Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by the John Deere Co. Honorees receive a $2,000 honorarium and the school district receives $1,000 to purchase instructional materials and school supplies. Candidates are nominated by the state affiliate organization of the National Rural Education Association.

The National Rural Education Association was organized in 1907 as a voice for rural teachers and administrators. With affiliates in 42 states, the association represents rural schools at the national level, with members who serve on national educational review panels and coalitions.

Purdue became the new home of the association this year after it was formerly housed at the University of Oklahoma.

Writer: Clyde Hughes, (765) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu

Source: John Hill,  (765) 494-0086, jehill@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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