Kristin Eckard of Warren, Ohio, is the eighth recipient of the Judith Cary Scholarship. A 2001 graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in psychology, Kristin is now pursuing a BA in Special Education from Youngstown State University where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.

When Kristin graduated, she had no idea what direction she was headed. Never having had any aspirations of becoming a teacher, she nonetheless applied to be a substitute teacher. The first time she was called to teach a special education class, she realized that this is where she would like to be.

She has since substituted for all grade levels, including many self-contained special education classrooms, inclusion classrooms, and resource rooms. She says, “This learning experience has taught me much about the students that I would like to work with. It has enabled me to be flexible and adaptive to different classrooms.”

Having spent hours helping her two younger brothers, who are learning disabled, with their homework, Kristin knows firsthand the determination, persistence, and especially the patience it takes on the part of the teacher. She also knows the frustration and embarrassment on the side of the student.

She has spent many additional hours tutoring students in special education programs, ranging from elementary through high school and with varying levels of disabilities. Last year she conducted a field experience pertaining to the benefits and drawbacks of the practice of inclusion.

As a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, she has participated in the Reading Is Fundamental program. Members visit a number of schools and encourage the students to be excited about reading through such activities as plays and game shows. She is also a certified adult literacy volunteer tutor in the Warren area.

Kristin’s educational philosophy consists of producing citizens that are critical thinkers, compassionate individuals, and explorative in their learning. She believes the curriculum should involve many hands-on experiences, and the students should be given chances to see the world outside of the classroom. “The role of the teacher is to allow the student to ask questions, to experiment, and to explore.”

Her other hobbies and interests include spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, golfing, and traveling. She studied in Australia and vacationed in Italy.

Although she has never met Pat Moss, Kristin does own one print, naturally “Kristin.” Her mother Kathleen, a long-time Society member who nominated her daughter, has over a dozen, including one that Pat signed with the names of Kristin and her brothers.