Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy Student Nathan Sanchez Named 2021 William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship Recipient

Springfield College and Springfield Public Schools announced that Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy class of 2021 student Nathan Sanchez is the 2021 recipient of the Springfield College William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship. The scholarship provides full tuition and fees to a graduating Springfield Public Schools student of color, who is preparing for a PreK through 12th grade teaching profession and plans to teach in the area.

Following a comprehensive assessment of the student’s academic record, recipients of the scholarship are recommended by the Springfield Public Schools Guidance Department and the Springfield College Office of Admissions. Sanchez received the Scholarship during a virtual ceremony that was well attended by both Springfield College and Springfield Public School representatives.

“We are so very proud to offer Nathan Sanchez the William Beckett Scholarship,” said Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper. “What really jumped out at me when reading his submitted essay was how he talks about how leadership is comprised of several characteristics including: initiative, integrity, communication, empathy, and respect. In his comments about building trust in a community through service, that really resonated with me, and it sounded so much like a Springfield College student. So we are delighted to welcome Nathan to Springfield College.”

An honor roll student during all four years at Putnam, Sanchez was a key member of the Project Coach Program, a coach, mentor, and teacher program that collaborates to create classroom activities for elementary students. The program highlights active skill-based games, that promote positive values, such as fair play and teamwork.

“The Springfield College Department of Education values its partnership with Springfield Public Schools,” said Springfield Department of Education Chair Stephanie R. Logan. “Together we share a commitment to the development and employment of knowledgeable, highly effective, and diverse teachers. It is our pleasure to welcome Nathan Sanchez as the Willian Beckett Scholar to the Department and College. We look forward to supporting Nathan's content and pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositional development for meeting the needs of multicultural learners.”

Sanchez is a member of the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy Business Technology Advisory Board, where he assembles goals and objectives of the career program, and brainstorms with teachers, administrators, and parents to evaluate the performance of career programs. Sanchez also serves as a Vocational/Academic Mentor, leading as a positive role model in the classroom by tutoring students individually or whole group, and assisting classroom activities by creating ice breakers and motivating techniques to inspire and lead.

“I found a home in the business shop at Putnam, which is composed of several communities that help students focus on their future aspirations,” said Sanchez. “I figured this shop could help me explore multiple potential careers. One other student and I started a new community titled Ambiguous. Our community opened doors for others who felt like us. With this new understanding, I began tutoring students, spearheading community projects, and aiding my teachers by leading student activities.”

Sanchez also worked with the Springfield Health Department helping organize the “Don’t Believe the Hype” initiative, which establishes an efficient school-wide food collection by collaborating with multiple shops and classrooms, and scout locations, managed school-wide communications, and arranged delivery for food collection.

“What a wonderful outcome Nathan Sanchez has been awarded for all of his hard work and dedication throughout his high school career,” said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick. “I offer him my most sincere congratulations and I point to the Beckett Scholarship initiative as an example of how students benefit when partners like Springfield College step up in such a major, life-changing way. We are so appreciative to Springfield College and we are so hopeful about the future for Mr. Sanchez.”

Following graduation from Springfield College with a teaching degree and upon conferral of Massachusetts certification and licensure, William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to apply for teaching positions within Springfield Public Schools.

The William Beckett Teacher Preparation Scholarship is named in honor of William H.J. Beckett, an African-American student who received the first degree from the College.  Beckett received a Bachelor of Humanics in 1906.

Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Approximately 4,100 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.