Alumnus recognized for innovative teaching practices

Patrick Houlton, an English teacher at Spring Valley Middle and High School and recent graduate of the UW-River Falls educator preparation program, was recognized for his innovative teaching practices on March 23.

Larry Solberg, dean of the UWRF College of Education and Professional Studies, surprised Houlton in his classroom with the announcement that he'd won an Early Educator Award from the Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

“He works to gain greater insight into his students by learning about their families and interests in order to facilitate positive interactions with them. He also partners with their parents to help meet the student’s unique needs,” said Gretchen Cipriano, Houlton’s principal, in nominating him.

Recipients of the Early Educator Award must be in their first three years of teaching. They are selected based on the positive effect they have had on schools or communities, innovation in designing learning experiences and advocacy their for students.

Houlton will receive the official award in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 12. For more information, email larry.c.solberg@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3774.