Indiana University-Kokomo education professor receives LEAP Indiana Annual Teaching Award

Last year, Professor Tara Kingsley of Indiana University-Kokomo developed an online course for master's degree students in technology infused curriculum. Kingsley also contributed to a workshop for K-12 teachers to help them become better virtual instructors. For these accomplishments, Kingsley was recently awarded the 2021 LEAP Indiana Annual Teaching Award.

In a news release from IU-Kokomo, Dean of the School of Education, Leah Nellis, said of Kingsely, "She clearly demonstrates the characteristics recognized through the LEAP Annual Teaching Award, and perhaps, most impressively, she supports other instructors in K-12 and higher education to utilize approaches that are transformative, equitable, and focused on citizenry and engagement. This award will honor Dr. Kingsley's excellence, and promote the science and art of innovative teaching and learning."

LEAP Indiana's profile of Kingsley explains that her online course, Quality Matters, for master's degree education students, was designed to stress the role of teachers as facilitators to connect to students through technology in an inclusive way. LEAP also noted the professional development workshop co-created by Kingsley.

Prompted by the move to virtual learning brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kingsley's K-12 teacher workshop helped teachers across Indiana develop online curriculum and better virtual instruction techniques. In the news release from IU-Kokomo, Kingsley said of the recognition, "I was excited that they saw the evidence that I am meeting the areas they targeted in my teaching. I felt like my work aligned with those priorities, which are very important for our students."