Eric Fisher Academy Instructor Patti Black Named
Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year
Wichita, KS, USA July 28, 2011 — Eric Fisher Academy is honored to announce Learning Leader Patti Black as the recipient of the Milady Educator of the Year Award. The award is co-sponsored by Milady, part of Cengage Learning and a leading provider of beauty and wellness learning solutions, and The Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA)—the educational committee of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. The award is given annually to an educator who exhibits significant contributions toward upgrading professional standards of educational excellence, particularly within the area of student involvement. The award was presented at the 17th Annual CEA Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Black, the Classroom Education Manager at the Eric Fischer Academy in Wichita, Kansas finds her inspiration in the classroom. She states, “Whether it is a student challenged with a learning disability, an unpopular lesson or unexpected questions, the process of discovering solutions can be incredibly surprising and rewarding. When a particular learner is struggling with a lesson or understanding a specific theory; I am motivated, by necessity, to find a creative solution. The desire to make knowledge accessible to all of my students has led me to unique delivery methods and activities that I have since incorporated into my usual routines. Over and over, my students teach me. Now that’s inspiring!”
After graduating from beauty school, Ms. Black worked in a salon and realized that a lack of confidence held many of her fellow stylists back. She wanted to help students develop poise and strong technical skills from the beginning; and knew that a career in teaching would allow her to do just that. Her classroom lessons not only help her students to pass their state board examinations but also excel in life.
Students constantly rave about Ms. Black and the work she does in the classroom, and her name comes up quite frequently in the student’s graduation speeches with messages of respect, admiration and gratitude. And it is no surprise why; she is always willing to spend extra time with her students until they fully understand the lesson. According to one former student, “Learning was never a chore in her classroom. From discussion groups, to using what we learned in the Chemistry chapter to making our own lip gloss, her classes were always relevant to our lives and interests.”
Ms. Black prides herself on the education she provides her students. She devotes many early and late hours to improve and enhance her presentations and lesson plans. She has also taken nearly 80 hours of continuing education courses to enhance her teaching skills.
“Ms. Black truly deserves this prestigious award due to her commitment to her students in the classroom. Her devotion to her lessons and her students is remarkable” said Dawn Gerrain, president, Milady.
“Patti attends many continuing education classes on her own to perfect her teaching style and knowledge. She is very passionate and dedicated to all of her students and is constantly striving to find new approaches to help EFA students learn. We are very proud of her accomplishment” said Laurie Ford, Director, Eric Fisher Academy.
As the recipient of the Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award, Black received an all-expenses-paid trip to Scottsdale, AZ, where she was honored at the CEA convention. In addition, she received a cash prize of $2,500 and gifts from Milady and the CEA.
For more information on the N.F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award, please visit http://www.beautyschools.org. For more information on Milady’s educational and professional learning materials, please visit www.milady.cengage.com.
About Eric Fisher Academy
Eric Fisher Academy, a 17,000 square foot cosmetology school, offers full time cosmetology and skin therapy programs with five cosmetology and three skin therapy class start dates a year. The student salon and spa offers a wide range of services to the public. Eric Fisher Academy strives to stay on the forefront by being a Sassoon Connection Member School, a Dermalogica Partner School, an Aquage Training School, bringing in world famous guest artists, teaching the latest in hair and skin and supplying top of the line products. For more information on Eric Fisher Academy visit www.ericfisheracademy.com.
About Milady
Milady, part of Cengage Learning, is the leading provider of beauty and wellness education and has been an industry staple for the past 80 years. Known not only as a provider of pre-licensure resources, Milady offers training and consulting nationwide in various forms for salon and spa professionals, changing the lives of tens of thousands each year. For more information on Milady please visit www.milady.cengage.com.
About Cengage Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company's products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Cengage Learning's brands include Heinle, Gale, Wadsworth, Delmar, Brooks/Cole and South-Western, among others. For more information on Cengage Learning please visit www.cengage.com.
About American Association of Cosmetology Schools
The Cosmetology Educators of America is the educational committee of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, providing inspiring education and networking opportunities to enrich and expand the lives of cosmetology educators. Founded in 1924, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) is a non-profit organization serving more than 850 cosmetology schools throughout North America. AACS is committed to raising awareness of the beauty and wellness industry and the many career paths available it offers.
Alexis Salas
Project Coordinator
Phone: 316-440-5555
Eric Fisher Academy
6727 W. Central
Wichita, KS 67212
Phone: 316 440 4782
Fax: 316 440 4985
www.ericfisheracademy.com