Charlotte Mendoza, Professor of Education, received the 2012 Distinguished Teacher Educator Award at the February meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators.  The award recognizes and honors the individual who has “advanced” teacher education in the United States.  It is given to one faculty member annually and this is the first time it has been received by someone who teaches in a liberal arts college.

Professor Mendoza was nominated by faculty from throughout the U.S. The award is determined by a national awards committee and is based upon letters of support from faculty and students, course evaluations, documentation of program design and development, and evidence of collaboration.

Professor Mendoza has served in a variety of capacities in the organization including as chair of national committees (Resolutions, Nominations and Elections), as a member of the Board of Directors representing higher education, and as National President.  She was also elected president of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education and served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.  She currently serves as president of the Colorado Association of Teacher Educators and its higher education delegate to the national delegate assembly.

At Colorado College, Professor Mendoza directs the elementary teacher education program, teaches course on elementary and secondary literacy and elementary social studies and language arts, teaches elective courses on contemporary issues in education and on globalization and education, and directs both the international student teaching program and the College’s summer program for gifted children.