CMU student earns Colorado Department of Higher Education honor
Graduating senior Allie Matsuo has been described by her professors as:
- “…a learner who never hesitated to assist others whether children or peers.”
- “…an exceptionally strong student whose work is of very high quality.”
- “…exemplifying the qualities and characteristics of an outstanding educator who is pursuing the goal of making a difference in the lives of the children she teaches.”
Matsuo is also a 4.0 student, recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Merit Scholarship and has been a member of the President’s List. All of these qualities and achievements is why she was nominated for the Colorado Department of Higher Education Colorado Future Educator Honor Roll.
“This is my greatest achievement from my time at CMU,” Matsuo said. “It recognizes both my high academic achievement and my commitment to quality education.”
Matsuo traveled to Denver last month to attend the Colorado Future Educator Honor Roll ceremony, which honored 26 other future educators.
“We appreciate the Colorado Department of Higher Education's commitment to teacher preparation,” said CMU Center for Teacher Education Department Head and Associate Professor Blake Bickham, PhD. “Honors and recognition ceremonies like this one demonstrate that teaching is still a rewarding and impactful profession that young people want to pursue. With the current teacher shortage, we want to take every opportunity to celebrate future teachers and their important work.”
After graduating on May 18, Matsuo will begin her career as a 3rd-5th grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at an integrated arts school in Jefferson County. She is one of nearly half of CMU teacher education graduates who have secured teaching jobs prior to graduation.