By Lauren Huffman
(May 18, 2011) The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) was acknowledged as the Outstanding Small Registered Student Organization (RSO) for 2011. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a small registered student organization, comprised of 25 members or less. Recipients must have made a significant impact on the Illinois State campus community by activities that reflect their mission and exceed goals of the past academic year.
The honor is part of the annual Student Leader and Organizational Awards, presented by the Student Involvement Center. The Center, a unit of the Dean of Students Office, provides students with opportunities to get involved on campus, including support of the registered student organizations campus wide.
Faculty advisor Alan Bates (C&I) and instructor Russ Trowbridge (C&I) nominated the student organization for the award. According to Bates, ACEI is exposed to issues of diversity in multiple ways. He said one of the most significant activities ACEI members participated in this year was hosting a speaker from the transgender community in Bloomington-Normal. “He spoke about diversity as well as about his experiences growing up in the context of his education,” said Bates.
ACEI has also held fundraisers to donate books and toys to schools in need, as well as volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club and at a Carnival of Reading. Opportunities such as these help teacher education majors to learn more about the field of education, and foster the professional development of the classroom teacher.
ACEI is a professional organization for those involved in education of children from infancy through early adolescence. ACEI members are empowered to make an impact on campus and within the community, including local schools and organizations.
