Joan L. Pepin to Receive 2005 Lloyd Reuss Award for Teaching Excellence

WARRENDALE, Pa., Oct. 28, 2005 - Joan L. Pepin of the  George  H.  Potter  Elementary School in  North Dartmouth, Mass. is this year's recipient of the Lloyd Reuss Award for Teaching Excellence. Pepin will be presented the award in December at a school assembly.

This award recognizes an outstanding elementary school teacher or team of teachers who have effectively implemented the SAE Foundation's A World In Motion program. The program targets fourth through tenth grade students in an effort to develop increased interest in math and science. Applicants for the award are judged on the amount of effort they put into AWIM, the quality of their volunteer partnerships and the quality of their students’ experiences. The award honors the work and dedication of Lloyd Reuss, former president of General Motors Corporation and staunch supporter of the AWIM program.

Pepin has taught elementary school children at the  G.H.  Potter  School  for 32 years.  Her interest in mechanical engineering and design technology was sparked by her upbringing in a self-described family of “car nuts.”  She values the hands-on aspects of science and math, believing that children need lots of experience taking things apart and putting things together to find out how things work. Pepin says she has seen great gains in the confidence levels of her third grade students who have worked with AWIM challenges.  She credits her success with AWIM to her mentor, Dr. Irv Krause, who has volunteered in her classroom for the past three years and encouraged students in their scientific pursuits.

Pepin received her bachelor's degree in psychology and education from  Southeastern  Massachusetts  University.  She currently resides in  Rochester, Mass.