Kimberly Santos, senior intern in first grade at Cedarmere Elementary School, was selected to receive the 2024-25 Maryland Association of Teacher Educators (MATE) Distinguished Teacher Candidate Award representing Stevenson University. This award has been established to recognize and honor those teacher candidates whose work shows a commitment to student learning and to the practice of reflective, responsive teaching. Kimberly has demonstrated abilities in establishing effective relationships with students, faculty, and staff; effective planning and implementation of instruction; effective assessment and evaluation of students; effective classroom management; and outstanding dispositions in professional responsibility, reflection, self-analysis, and the ability to make changes as a result.
Kimberly was honored at a virtual awards ceremony on Saturday, April 5, facilitated by Dr. Donovan Griffin-Blake, President of MATE, and Dr. Patricia S. Tate, Past President & Chair of Awards Committee. The keynote speaker was Kathryn (Kat) Locke-Jones, National Teacher of the Year and Maryland Teacher of the Year for 2025.
Kimberly shared a few remarks about what this award means to her: “Thank you so much for this honor. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized and I was completely surprised by the fact that I was nominated for this amazing award. This award isn’t just about me; it represents all the people who have supported, guided, and believed in me throughout this journey. My mom, my grandmother, the School of Education: Dr. Kobett, Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Pelton, Dr. Valdez, and Dr. Schneiderman, and to the students who’ve taught me just as much as I’ve taught them. Teaching has always felt like the right place for me. I believe kids deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued. Thank you again. I’m so honored to be stepping into this profession and be named a distinguished teacher candidate.”
The MATE Distinguished Teacher Candidate Award is truly a prestigious honor. Congratulations to Kimberly and welcome to the education profession.