Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2017 Robert C. Altman Educational Excellence award: Valerie Palarski, nursing instructor at NTC.
Sponsored by the NTC Foundation, the award is named after a former President of the Wisconsin Valley Trust Company and past member of the NTC Foundation Board of Directors. The award is presented annually to an NTC faculty member who has been singled out by students and peers as an outstanding educator and innovative facilitator of learning. Nominees are selected based on criteria that illustrate their facilitation of learning, student development and leadership, program knowledge and involvement outside the classroom.
Leaders at the College say Palarski receives high ratings from students as being an instructor who cares and seeks out students who need guidance and encouragement. Students describe Palarski as a “once in a lifetime talent” whose dedication and sincere interest in facilitating learning for her students make her an effective instructor.
Recognized for her work to create global awareness for NTC students, Palarski piloted a Jamaica immersion experience with a group of nursing students in 2016. Palarski also played a major role in the implementation of offering additional accommodations for nursing students who are classified as English Language Learners.
As a recipient of the award, Palarski will receive a stipend for future professional development activities, a trophy recognizing her contributions to NTC and her professional photo will be permanently displayed at the College along with the previous 18 recipients.
