(February 5, 2015)

Centenary MAT alumni receive teaching recognition

SHREVEPORT, LA — Former Associate Professor of Mathematics at Centenary, Dr. Mark Schlatter, was recently named Teacher of the Year at Ridgewood Middle School in Shreveport, Louisiana, and was also a finalist for the Middle School Teacher of the Year award for Caddo Parish.

"When I heard the news, I was very grateful," said Schlatter. "I'd be more comfortable if the award came with the words 'Most Improved' in front. I have made a lot of progress over the last year, but there are a lot of good teachers at Ridgewood who I still look to for instruction and inspiration."

Schlatter teaches sixth grade mathematics for remedial, regular, and advanced students as well as a math Response to Intervention course designed to help students below grade level strengthen their math skills. While teaching at Centenary, Schlatter volunteered as a tutor for middle school students in math for several years. His volunteer experience led him to pursue and earn his Master of Arts in Teaching at Centenary while still teaching in the math department.

"What I love most about teaching middle school is the energy of the students," said Schlatter. "Sixth graders can be a handful, but when that level of excitement is directed towards learning, the classroom can be a very fun place."

Other graduates of the Centenary MAT program to receive recognition for their teaching this year include Tiffany Edwards '14, Teacher of the Year at Atkins Elementary School, and Kathryn Ferguson '07, a finalist for the Louisiana PTSA Educator of Distinction Award.