Erik Spinelli is pre-service social studies teacher award winner

2016 Dr. James Sheehan Pre-Service Social Studies Teacher Award Winner

Congratulations to Erik Spinelli (Green High School), who has been selected by the Ohio Council for the Social Studies as its 2016 Dr. James Sheehan Pre-Service Social Studies Teacher Award Winner.  This award was established in memory of OCSS Executive Director, Jim Sheehan, who promoted undergraduate participation in our professional organization. The award is meant to honor outstanding social studies university students that have demonstrated excellence in teaching and have great potential in the social studies classroom. Recipients receive a complimentary one year’s membership in OCSS, a certificate of recognition, and recognition in their publications and at their annual conference.

While at The University of Akron, Mr. Spinelli majored in Integrated Social Studies Education, earned a Second Major in History, and will receive his State of Ohio teaching license in Adolescent Young Adult Social Studies Education. He will graduate in May 2016.  Spinelli excelled as a social studies student teacher during his time at Coventry Middle School. During this placement, he proved himself as a well-rounded educator who is deeply committed and skilled in meeting the needs of diverse learners.  He shone in teaching both 7th and 8th grade social studies, and successfully engineered instructional activities that brought the social studies to life for his students.  As a student teacher, he assisted with the Coventry Baseball team, attended track meets, participated in parent teacher conferences, and chaperoned the Washington D.C. field trip for the 8th graders. His Coventry Middle School students gained tremendously from such planned and implemented activities as mock elections, a Constitutional Handbook projected that allowed students to analyze historical documents, and a Historical Figure Facebook Project.

Erik is thankful to faculty at The University of Akron--in particular The LeBron James Family Foundation--for preparing him for a professional career in a way that he feels no other educational institution could have. Mr. Spinelli commented:

Through the University of Akron, I have built connections that will last a lifetime and gained valuable experience working with youth in Kenmore, Barberton, Coventry and the Boys and Girls Club…Through these provided opportunities, I have learned the skills needed to be a successful educator.