April 21, 2021
Oakland University alumna Sarah Bussineau (BM ’20) has won the Michigan Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) Secondary Grades Student Teacher of the Year Award for 2020.
The award recognizes student teachers who have demonstrated exemplary performance during their student teaching experiences in the 2020-2021 academic school year.
“I am honored to be named a 2020 Michigan ATE Student Teacher of the Year,” said Bussineau, who graduated in December with a degree in music education. “For me, student teaching in 2020 required large amounts of flexibility and commitment. I am thankful that the Michigan ATE recognizes the importance of these qualities in the teaching profession. I am also thankful for everyone who supported me throughout my student teaching.”
Bussineau student taught band and choir to students in grades 9-12 at Cousino High School in Warren, Mich. where she was mentored by Jason Rose (MM ’15 and current musical education Ph.D. student). She recently began a full-time position teaching general music, band, and choir at St. Regis Catholic School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
“There are a lot of reasons why I chose to be a teacher,” she said. “I want to do work that helps others, I like working with other people, and I have always loved school. But above all, teaching feels like something I am meant to do. I am excited to help my students grow, just as my teachers have helped me.”
Bussineau was nominated for the award by Dr. Pamela Klena, visiting assistant professor of music at Oakland University. To be eligible for the award, nominees must demonstrate innovation and exemplary practice during teaching, and be identified by education faculty and school personnel at “outstanding.”
Award recipients will receive recognition at an upcoming professional meeting, as well as a plaque and a free membership in the Michigan ATE for the following academic year.
“I am so happy that I came to OU for my undergraduate degree,” Bussineau said. “Community is very important to me, and I found a strong sense of community in the OU Music Department. I was surrounded by classmates and faculty who were supportive of my education and encouraged me to take risks. They helped shape the educator and musician that I am today.”
For more information about the Michigan ATE Awards, visit www.michiganate.org/michigan-ate-awards.html.