Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Social/History Education) student Meredith Tolson has been named the recipient of the 2016 Teacher of the Year from Edison Middle School.  This means she will also be eligible for the 2016 Teacher of the Year from Houston Independent School District (HISD). Tolson teaches 7^th grade English/Language Arts.

Tolson said she is constantly working to better her practice and learn new techniques.  “To me, it is an incredible honor,” she said.   “It’s nice to know that other people see that hard work, but at the end of the day, it’s just about the kids.”

When asked what University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) professors inspired her the most, she said “my advisor, [CUIN professor] Cameron White, is someone who has been there for me academically, professionally, and personally,” she said.  “I strive to embrace critical pedagogy and the ideals of social education in my practice, and it’s great to have a mentor who has walked that path before.” 

White said that in addition to having a great sense of humor, “Meredith is one of those unique educators who is both a natural and one whose passion for teaching and learning is evident at all times,” he said.  “Her commitment to social education is beyond compare in that she lives it daily through her actions as a teacher, doctoral student, colleague, and fellow human being!”

One of Tolson’s best experiences with UH COE has been the opportunity to share her research and ideas with others at conferences.  “The opportunity to travel and get direct feedback has been a great learning experience,” she said. “This semester I presented at EQRC [Ethnographic & Qualitative Research Conference] in Las Vegas and the Texas Middle School Association in Arlington [Texas].”

Tolson’s research interests pertain to social justice and equity within the classroom. Specifically, she studies how a teacher of any subject embraces social education, and how the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) lend themselves to teaching with a social justice lens.

Tolson is not entirely sure about her plans after she graduates.  “I would like to stay in higher education, but I’m open to whatever opportunity comes my way.”