Dr. Wheeler named Golden Apple Award Winner
05/30/16
Dr. Sassy C. Wheeler, Instructor in the School of Education, was honored to be the Golden Apple Winner at the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) annual awards ceremony, and received a proclamation from Mayor Kip Holden as well (pictured right).
As an LSU professor, Dr. Wheeler has supported the VIPS Everybody Reads program for five years.
On average, 180 LSU students are trained through her service learning classes to become reading friends each year. They provide more than 720 hours of instructional time annually to students who are reading below grade level.
Dr. Wheeler’s students are placed throughout Baton Rouge at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School, Southdowns School, Buchanan Elementary School, Bernard Terrace Elementary School and Dufrocq Montessori Magnet Elementary School, often going to see their reading buddy during breaks between their college classes.
Dr. Wheeler’s students provide enhanced educational support and stability for their reading buddy. The time they spend together increases student self-esteem, self-worth and character. The college students become educational role models, encouragers, and friends. This avenue for community engagement not only helps to fill a need for VIPS, but also gives future educators real world experience.
Volunteers In Public Schools is an independent non-profit organization that seeks to increase volunteerism and community involvement in public schools. Each year, VIPS hosts an annual volunteer Picnic and Apple Awards Ceremony to pay tribute to the amazing volunteers and partners that help make a difference in East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools.
About LSU School of Education
The LSU School of Education, or SOE, offers graduate and undergraduate programs in curriculum and instruction and in educational leadership, research and counseling. The school’s mission is to prepare P-12 educational professionals to be leaders, practitioners and scholars knowledgeable in contemporary educational issues.
Visit the School of Education at lsu.edu/education.
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The College is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at chse.lsu.edu.