Tramell receives NSU's Outstanding Intern Award for Fall 2010

Each semester scores of students from Northeastern State University's prominent College of Education perform their teaching internships at schools throughout the region.

Matthew Tramell, of Owasso, is a standout among NSU's highly regarded fledgling teachers. The College of Education selected the English education major as the Fall 2010 winner of the Outstanding Intern Award.

Tramell performed his internship at Broken Arrow High School and said he experienced multiple emotions as a first-time lesson planner.

"It was both exhilarating and frightening," he said. "I was excited for the opportunity to teach my own lesson but I was also worried that some students either wouldn't like the lesson or they wouldn't learn from it. After I got used to teaching in front of a class and writing lessons it was a breeze. It was also a ton of fun."

Tramell said he enjoyed each day in the classroom and that helping students learn was gratifying.

"I can't think of a single time this semester that I woke up dreading going to Broken Arrow," he said." The most important lesson that I learned is that you need to be yourself when you're teaching. You need to be professional of course, but don't try to be someone you're not. After I relaxed and started teaching like I wanted to teach, it was awesome. That, and the students respect you more when you're being yourself. So from now on, I'm teaching my way."

Tramell believes one of his teaching talents is maintaining students' attentiveness in the classroom.

"I honestly wasn't expecting to win the award, or to even be nominated for that matter," he said. "Being nominated for this was a great surprise. But I would say that I got nominated for my ability to engage students in learning. I keep them interested in what I'm teaching, and I make my students my top priority."

Tramell extended appreciation for the instruction and guidance of the NSU faculty.

"Anytime that I felt confused or needed help they were there," Tramell said. "My coordinator Joanna Etchison and Connie Henshaw were both amazing during this semester. They offered extremely useful advice, and I certainly grew from knowing these two amazing people."

He also thanked his clinical faculty, Kerri Bury, and said he would enthusiastically recommend her to other interns.

"She's actually working toward a degree in teacher education, so this internship was an opportunity for her as well," Tramell said. "Kerri was extremely supportive. She offered criticism when necessary and gave rewards when they were deserved. I learned a lot from watching Kerri teach and listening to her advice. She's going to be an amazing professor someday."

Those nominated for the Outstanding Intern Award must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade-point average and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and disposition of a successful teacher. Tramell receives $125 toward preparing his new classroom.

"The award is made possible by a donation to the NSU Foundation and we are very pleased to be able to recognize Tramell as one of our many outstanding interns," said Dr. Kay Grant, dean of the College of Education. "Once nominated by the intern coordinators, the candidate writes an essay. The names are removed and all essays are read and priortized by a committee."

Tramell said he was surprised, humbled and honored that his university would name him an outstanding intern. He added that the assistance of the institution itself was instrumental in his successful attainment of an education degree.

"NSU is the college to go to to get a teaching degree," he said. "I received so much support, so many opportunities and had so much fun at NSU. I'm proud to call myself an NSU alumnus, and I hope that anyone interested in pursuing a degree in teaching considers NSU. It truly is an amazing university."