Nick Butkevich, associate professor of biology, and Diane Flynn-Hahn, associate professor of child care and development, spent May 20 through the 23 in Austin, Texas receiving honors as Schoolcraft 2007 NISOD winners. Each year, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development honors educators who have made outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.

Flynn-Hahn is an advocate for child care programs and prepares college students for careers as teachers of young children. She stress creativity in the classroom and asks that her students join professional organizations while still in college. She encourages students to participate in community service projects and has developed a nine-year partnership with the Livonia Public Schools promoting child care programs.

Butkevich wants his students to be better than they think they can possibly be, and approaches teaching with enthusiasm, giving clear expectations and quick feedback, and showing genuine interest in student successes. His lectures and labs are integrated so students can link the theoretical to the real, and he compares teaching to coaching, where lessons are repeatedly reinforced.