Thomas Stephens (r), the 2018 Patty Hopkins-Acos Memorial Fellowship recipient, with John Acos
Thomas Stephens of the Teacher Education Program of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School has been chosen as the 2018 Patty Hopkins-Acos Memorial Fellowship recipient. This scholarship benefits an outstanding UCSB graduate student who demonstrates a passion for and dedication to serving children with special needs. This is an annual award given in honor of Patty Hopkins-Acos whose 30-year career in special education changed the lives of so many children and families in Santa Barbara. Stephens just graduated from the Teacher Education Program at UCSB, with an Education Specialist Moderate/Severe Teaching Credential and a M.Ed.
This scholarship is intended to support beginning special education teachers who demonstrate the professional and personal dedication exemplified by former Gevirtz School Teacher Education Program Supervising Instructor Patty Hopkins-Acos throughout her career with special needs children. This fellowship recognizes and encourages teacher candidates who, like Patty, inspire others with their excitement about teaching, compassion, irrepressible energy, courage, integrity, and sense of humor.