POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam students from Potsdam, Gouverneur, Akwesasne, and Winthrop were honored recently for their academic accomplishments and participation in the professional development opportunities provided by the College's Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) program at its annual Student Awards Reception and Ceremony.

Nicole Feml, a December 2010 graduate with a Master of Science in Teaching degree in secondary English, was awarded the TOC Student of the Year Award for her academic achievements, outstanding participation in TOC professional development conferences and seminars, leadership in teaching related activities, and commitment to a career in the teaching profession. Feml, whose hometown is Cairo, N.Y., is a resident of Potsdam and currently holds a long-term substitute position teaching secondary English at Potsdam High School.

TOC participants were recognized for their excellent academic achievement during the Fall semester of 2010.

Certificates for notable academic achievement were awarded to graduate students Sherry Cordwell of Potsdam, Nicole Feml, and Melinda Schiszler of Gouverneur and to undergraduate students Amanda King of Akwesasne and Kayla Viau of Winthrop.

TOC members were also recognized for participation in the Best Practices in Teaching Seminar "Keys to Effective Teaching," the Professional Business Etiquette and Dining Skills Seminar, and the Akwesasne and New York State Teaching and Learning Standards Orientation Conference sponsored by TOC, the Teacher/Leader Quality Partnerships (TLQP) program and SUNY Potsdam.

At the College, TOC serves 20 to 25 students each year.

Its purpose is to enhance the preparation of teachers and prospective teachers in addressing the learning needs of at-risk students and to encourage individuals traditionally underrepresented in teaching to choose teaching as a career.

The New York State Department of Education Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs and SUNY Potsdam sponsor TOC.