College of Education News

When Caroline Kisielinski heard that she had won a book award, she had no idea what that meant. But when she was called up on stage to accept the award, for which she was unknowingly nominated, the high school senior said she felt touched and honored.

"I was never called up for something like this before, and it felt good to be recognized by a college that I am really interested in," Kisielinski said.

Kisielinski received College of Education professor Fazal Rizvi's book, Youth Moves: Identities and Education in Global Perspective as part of the third annual Junior Book Award ceremony at Northside College Preparatory School in Chicago.

"It's a way to honor colleges and universities our students may choose to attend, and a way to honor some of our outstanding students," said Susan Spillane, director of special programs at Northside.

She said more than 40 institutions participate in the book awards, and each provides its own criteria for the recipient of the award.

The College of Education required that the recipient show a strong interest in becoming an educator, and a desire to pursue a life of knowledge. The coordinators of the book awards at Northside felt that Kisielinksi best fit these criteria.

"I actually want to become a teacher. I'm not too sure what level, but I do know that it will have something to do with biology or chemistry," Kisielinski said.

Rizvi's book, Youth Moves, was selected because it had more relevance to high school students than other books geared toward an academic audience, said Joan Tousey, Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Education.

"It just seemed to be a right fit for the potential audience," Tousey said.

Kisielinski said she has had a chance to look through the book, and it has given her insight into becoming an educator.

"I have always found interactions between people and their environment fascinating, and the way they are explained in this book is so clear and eye opening," Kisielinski said.