Administrative Medical Assistant instructor wins prestigious state award
Posted: March 11, 2016
TACOMA, Wash. —Bates Technical College instructor Mary Ann Keith was recently selected as a 2016 Anna Sue McNeill Assessment, Teaching and Learning Award recipient. Administered by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the award recognizes an individual’s ability to positively affect student learning in a public two or four-year college in Washington state.
Keith was hired to teach the Administrative Medical Assistant program in 2013. Since then, she has revamped the program significantly. Keith updated curriculum and advisory committee membership; expanded the program to include an Associate in Applied Science as a supplement to a Certificate of Competency; earned a master’s degree in workforce education; partnered with the Dental Assistant program to provide office support in the college’s dental clinic; and converted her program to include a basic education and skills training program (I-BEST) and hybrid offerings.
“Mary Ann models professionalism within her division,” said Al Griswold, Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Bates. “She has been active in pursuing industry accreditation for the business and office programs at the college,” he said. “Mary Ann serves diverse students, many of which are dealing with serious issues. Her ability to teach them to adapt to a professional work culture is impressive,” added Griswold.
Administrative Office Assistant instructor Sharon Netter, who also served as Keith’s tenure committee chair, noted that Keith was “the most enthusiastic teacher Bates has ever employed. She brings great passion for her industry and for teaching.”
In the nomination,Griswold described Keith as an “excellent teacher who demonstrates commitment to exploring opportunities to innovate and collaborate to better serve students. Her attitude is wonderful. Her example inspires others to brave the world of innovation and seek to improve,” he wrote.
Keith will receive her award during the 2016 Assessment, Teaching and Learning Conference, held May 4-6 in Vancouver, Wash.
About Bates Technical College
Founded in 1940, Bates Technical College offers certificate and degree opportunities in nearly 50 career education programs, and serves approximately 3,000 career training students and 10,000 more community members annually in extended learning, distance learning, high school, and other programs. For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu, or call 253.680.7000.
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