By STEFANIE HILL

Staff Writer

Lindsey Braddock, a 2001 master's degree recipient from Tech, received the Young Outstanding Educator award Feb. 9 for Lincoln Parish.

The Young Outstanding Educator award is given to a teacher 40 years of age or younger who demonstrates exceptional contribution to his or her profession.The receiver of the award is chosen by the Ruston Chamber of Commerce and Ruston Jaycees.

Sonja Walker, principal of Ruston Elementary School and an alumna of Tech, said Braddock was a natural choice for the award.

"As an administrator, I can walk into a class and tell in five minutes if a teacher is a natural teacher or what I call a learned teacher," Walker said. "A natural teacher is someone inborn with the gift to teach. Lindsey is one of those people."

Braddock said she feels she was born to teach.

"I have always wanted to teach," Braddock said. "My parents said when I was little, I would line dolls up and read to them and discipline them."

Braddock received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Tech and earned her master's in curriculum, instruction and leadership. She now teaches first grade at Ruston Elementary, located at 200 N. Bernard St., and has been teaching there since 1999.

Walker said Braddock always goes that extra mile.

"She has a gift of insight on how to handle children and does it well," Walker said. "Children love her, and parents love her. She is the most requested teacher at this school."

Dr. Cathy Stockton, an associate dean of graduate studies and research for the College of Education and an associate professor of education, said Braddock contains the knowledge and skills professors want to see in teachers.

"Braddock is a good example of a great teacher and a good role model for our [students working toward becoming a teacher]," Stockton said.

Braddock said she never stresses about class planning and loves being a teacher.

"Everything feels natural when it comes to teaching," Braddock said. "I love coming to work. I love seeing the children learn, but most of all I love seeing the change in them from the beginning of the year to the end of the year."