Teacher Educator of the Year

Millersville University professor of Educational Foundations, Dr. Oliver Dreon has been named the Pennsylvania Teacher Educator of the Year. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, he received the award from the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators.

The PAC-TE Teacher Educator of the Year Award is conferred upon an individual who has directly participated in and contributed to the preparation of candidates for teacher certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The criteria is based on professional preparation and professional work experience, leadership, scholarship, service and membership in other professional organizations.

Dreon, who didn't know he was in the running for the award, was nominated by Dr. Leslie Gates, professor of art and design. "Ollie is a voracious learner who has extensive knowledge in educator ethics, educational technology, science education and artificial intelligence," says Gates. "His dedication as an educator drives him to create dynamic learning opportunities for others around these topics. Ollie's work has improved the quality of teacher education at MU and well beyond."

Dreon says he is grateful that his work as a teacher educator has had an impact and that his colleagues see value in his contributions. "This award reflects my current work as a teacher educator and the contributions I've made at the state and national levels."

In 2001, Dreon was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award. At the time, each state recognized a teacher for the award, and Dreon was the awardee for Pennsylvania when he was teaching high school physics at Cumberland Valley School District.

On how the award will impact his students, Dreon says, "I think the award is more of a reflection of the work I've sought to do and will continue to do. I am motivated to do meaningful work that prepares our teacher candidates for the classrooms and schools they'll encounter."

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