Claire and Tom Lamonica Outstanding University Teaching Award
Krystal Lewis-Pratl
- Clinical Assistant Professor who works as a field-based coordinator for the Department of Special Education at Illinois State University.
- Master’s Degree in Special Education from Illinois State University in 2006.
My motivation to become a college professor comes from …
After teaching middle school for 15 years and hosting countless clinical students in their practicum and field-based semester from ISU in my special education classroom, I found that I had a real love for mentoring pre-service teachers.
The three most valuable or important methods/approaches/attitudes/etc. that I bring to my teaching practice are …
… In order to reach my learners, they had to first feel that I was invested in them as people. This was not always an easy endeavor and took time for learners to trust and see that my actions aligned with my words.
Excitement-I love teaching and hope to ignite a passion in the preservice teachers that I work with so that they enter their own classrooms with a heart for teaching.
Flexibility-I hold high expectations for myself and for the teacher candidates that I work with but also recognize the need for flexibility of practice, delivery and expectations.
The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is… (and why)
When a former student reaches out to tell me about landing their first job or achieving an accomplishment in their teaching career!
Regarding my teaching accomplishments, I am proudest about …
Sending teachers out into their neighborhoods and communities that are prepared to leave an indelible mark on their learners.
The one teaching technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance student learning the most is …
Practicing the pause! During video reflection in the GROWTH program, I learned that I wasn't allowing students enough time to process and digest content before moving on. I now add places of pause into my instruction to allow for thinking time and then follow-up with clarifying questions.
“Teaching has never been a job for me but rather a passionate career where I have focused on relationship building, high expectations and culturally responsive practices.”