For Robert Pickett, this award has been one of many that this innovative educator has received during his 24-year career. Already this year, he has been honored as the teacher of the year for Indiana and the Marion-Adams School District. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2002, the Love of Reading Grant in 1998, the Shining Star Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1990 and many more.

The award is given annually to recognize a Teachers College alumnus who has made significant contributions to the field of education and exhibits the highest standards of a truly dedicated professional educator, said Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College.

"Robert Pickett brings pride to the university and to the teaching profession by virtue of his personal and deep commitment to children and their learning, their lives, their families and communities," Weaver said. "He inspires them with his creative, interesting and engaging teaching. He models the values of strong character and leadership. He is the kind of teacher we all wish we could have had."

Professionally speaking, Pickett followed in the footsteps of one his earliest role models — his first-grade teacher. Pauline Richardson was the inspiration and the reason for my success and love for learning, Pickett said.

"Mrs. Richardson's discipline and demeanor were such that I had no choice but to respect, admire and emulate her," he added.

Pickett began his teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher. Just two years into his career, he moved to Marion Elementary and began teaching first grade — the same position he has held for the last 22 years.

Such long-time dedication is no surprise to Richardson. She remembers Pickett as a student by something he once told her.

"(Pauline Richardson) is 93 years young and will to this day relate the story of my telling her as a first grader that I wanted to be a first-grade teacher, too," Pickett said.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Pickett at (765) 325-2340 or rpickett@sheridan.k12.in.us.)