Receiving the Ronald W. Collins Medal was a complete surprise for Melissa Heuker.

“I was attending the reception dinner for the Graduate Research Symposium,” she said. “I anticipated a certificate for a scholarship I had won earlier in the year, but was really surprised when I heard my name announced for this award.”

Heuker credits her COE professors for their encouragement and support. She spent two years working full-time as a Graduate Assistant for the Department of Special Education and was then approached by Dr. John Palladino to work on his research project as a Research Assistant.

Having the opportunity to get to know her professors and their work turned out to be so much better than just classroom learning. For example, she was able to incorporate Dr. Palladino’s survey techniques into her own research. Also, she was encouraged to pursue her own research, to present her findings, and to participate in recruitment and other conferences.

“My research study looked at strategies teachers are using with students in general education and special education classrooms,” said Heuker. “I found that most teachers are doing a great job and are in compliance with new mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. However, it is my goal to empower all types of teachers to teach all types of students.”

Heuker earned a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education with focus in the area of Cognitive Impairments fall semester 2006 and is working this term on achieving Learning Disabilities (LD) endorsement. She teaches 8th grade Special Education at Whitmore Lake Middle School.

“My long-term plan is to become a college professor and to give back to the department that has shaped the person and teacher I am today.”