Clifton Park, NY, July 18, 2011 — 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, today announced Patricia Black as the recipient of the Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award. Co-sponsored by CEA and Milady, the Educator of the Year Award is given annually to an exceptional educator who exhibits significant contributions toward upgrading professional standards of educational excellence, particularly within the area of student involvement. Black was honored at the 17th Annual CEA Convention in Scottsdale, AZ where she also received a cash prize of $2,500 and other complimentary gifts from Milady.
Black is currently working as the lead Instructor at the Eric Fischer Academy in Wichita, KS. She previously worked in a salon, where she came to realize that many of her fellow stylists were held back in their careers due to a lack of confidence. She wanted to find a way to help students develop poise and strong technical skills right from the beginning. She knew that a career in teaching would allow her to do just that. Black’s classroom lessons not only help her students to pass their state board examinations but also excel in life and their careers.
“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,” said Black. “When a particular learner is struggling with a lesson or unable to understand a specific theory, I am motivated 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 continue to teach me as well — now that’s inspiring!”
Black’s students rave about 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. This comes as no surprise, as she is always willing to spend extra time with her students until they fully understand a lesson. Black prides herself on the education she provides to her students. She devotes many extra hours to improving her presentations and lesson plans and she has fulfilled nearly 80 hours of continuing education courses in order to work at enhancing her teaching skills.
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.”
“Milady, along with CEA , is honored to be presenting this year’s Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year award to Patricia Black,” said Dawn Gerrain, president, Milady. “Her proven commitment to her students and creativity in the classroom make learning fun and rewarding for all involved. Exceptional educators, such as Black, are working hard to shape today’s students into future leaders. By instilling knowledge and confidence in these students, educators are setting them up for success in their future careers.”
For more information on the Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award, please visit http://www.beautyschools.org/. For more information on educational and professional learning materials available from Milady, please visit www.milady.cengage.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 the 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.