UW Assistant Professor Named 2020 Counseling Educator of the Year

University of Wyoming Assistant Professor Amanda DeDiego recently was named the recipient of the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES) Outstanding Teaching Award for 2020.

The Outstanding Teaching Award honors a counselor educator who exemplifies excellence and innovation as an instructor in the classroom. DeDiego was recognized for her accomplishment at the 2020 RMACES Conference, which took place virtually this year.

 “I try to challenge myself to think about the best way for my students to learn -- and how to support them to be excellent clinicians serving the community,” says DeDiego, a counselor educator at UW-Casper. “Our students are so passionate about the communities they serve, so it feels important to help them connect their passion with the skills they need to be professional counselors.”

DeDiego’s students benefit greatly from her high standards and supportive leadership. Beyond UW, DeDiego is a passionate advocate who meets with legislators and serves in leadership roles for a number of national, regional and statewide counseling organizations.

“I have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure my students are trained well and able to leave our graduate program ready to become ethical clinicians and advocates in the community -- and to make a positive difference in supporting the needs of our state,” DeDiego says. “I also feel it is important to build connections with my students so that I can help them to grow, and meet their personal needs and goals.”

One of DeDiego’s nominators stated in a nomination packet: “Past students have known Amanda to show openness to ideas, flexibility and a great capacity as an instructor. She was supportive throughout all of the concerns with COVID-19 and adapted her instruction style quickly and effectively. I felt supported and valued. I felt like I had a voice and my opinion counted.”

“She (DeDiego) holds high expectations for her students, and she provides the mentoring and scaffolding they need to meet her high expectations. She designs and implements rigorous academic courses, and her students hold her in high esteem,” another nominator wrote.

After previously serving as the co-chair of the Emerging Leaders program for RMACES, DeDiego will further her service to the association as president in 2021.

To watch a video of the awards ceremony at the 2020 RMACES Conference, where DeDiego is recognized, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfOUTxXeKQ0.