Retired Purdue Northwest professor inducted into Indiana Teacher Educator Hall of Fame

Retired Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Associate Professor Tom Mihail, Ph.D. was recently inducted into the Indiana Teacher Educator Hall of Fame by the Indiana Association of Teacher Educators.

Mihail devoted his life’s work to educator preparation, specifically special educators. In his 48-year career, he worked with children, families, teachers, community members and aspiring special educators in Indiana.

Recognized for his active participation and meaningful involvement with numerous organizations, his induction acknowledged his leadership, steadfastness and resolute commitment to dignified and respectful treatment of all persons.

A hero to many

“I have yet to visit a school in northwest Indiana where Tom Mihail is not revered for his deep convictions regarding social justice and serving students with diverse learning needs,” said Shannon O’Brien, clinical assistant professor of Education in PNW’s School of Education and Counseling.

“I had the great privilege of co-teaching with Tom for the past six years. I am better for it in every way, as I watched him lead and inspire our teacher candidates toward greatness both in the classroom and in life,” O’Brien added. “He continually models unwavering respect, peace and love in all of his educational endeavors. He is a true hero, mentor and teacher who will continue to change our world.”

About the Indiana Association of Teacher Educators (IATE) Hall of Fame

The Teacher Educator Hall of Fame was established by IATE to recognize teacher educators and persons in other vocations who have given a lifetime of outstanding and dedicated service to teacher education in the State of Indiana.

Criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame as a faculty member:

• Spent the majority of their working life in some capacity in the field of teacher education in Indiana.
• Been involved in teacher education for a minimum of 15 years.
• Been retired or within six months of retirement (in some instances a posthumous award will be granted).
• Demonstrated leadership in teacher education as exemplified but not limited to the following: active participation in state and national associations; visible participation in state and national offices and on committees; previous recognition by professional teacher education groups; publication of document or other media products; other creative endeavors or noteworthy achievements.