May 11 , 2006
Clark University Alumni Association chooses Dyer as Outstanding Secondary Educator
Worcester, Mass. - Lisa C. Dyer of Worcester, has been chosen as the recipient of this year's Outstanding Secondary Educator Award from the Clark University Alumni Association. The award recognizes secondary-school teachers for the critical role they play in preparing students for higher education. The award will be presented at Convocation on Sunday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. in Daniels Theater in Atwood Hall at Clark University.
Dyer currently serves as a District Literacy Coach for the Worcester Public Schools, a position created as a result of the high school reform effort through the Carnegie and Small Learning Communities Grant in partnership with the Jacob Hiatt Center at Clark University.
She taught at North High School as an English/Language Arts teacher from 1995 to 2001 and also served as an MCAS Specialist. She was voted "Teacher of the Year" by her colleagues at North High in 1998.
Dyer earned both her bachelor's and master's degree from Clark University. She completed coursework for secondary principal certification in December and is currently pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership at Worcester State College.
Clark senior Cesar Vega of Worcester nominated his teacher, formerly Miss Smith, for the award.
"The zeal with which she sought to educate students with my background exemplifies the University's commitment to 'challenge convention and change the world,'" said Vega. "Unlike other teachers, she never looked at my (weak) academic record as an indicator of future academic performance. She believed at-risk students like me had the potential to succeed at any academic level."
"School counselors, teachers and administrators often overlooked students with my record and reputation, and offered little guidance for improvement," said Vega. "Mrs. Dyer challenged me to regain my confidence and get back on track. Her positive feedback and words of encouragement inside the classroom inspired me to overcome many obstacles in life and pursue higher education."
He said Dyer's faith in him never waivered, even through a somewhat turbulent high school experience when he failed, was suspended and even dropped out of school.
Vega will graduate on Sunday, May 21, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The government major said his achievement is "truly a reflection of her teaching abilities."
On receiving word of the honor, Dyer said, "Nothing can define success more to a teacher than recognition of outstanding work by a former student. For me, the circumstances that surround this honor are poignant, inspirational and offer us all a 'teachable moment.'"
Dyer lives in Worcester with her husband Marc and five children.
This is the 22nd year that Clark's Alumni Association has presented the Outstanding Secondary Educator Award. Clark seniors nominate their high-school teachers for the award and then discuss the nominees with a committee of Alumni Association members.