This summer Sue Ann Paine went from the classroom to the conference center stage.

Paine, daytime Cosmetology Instructor at Meridian Technology Center, won an all-expense paid trip to present at the American Association of Cosmetology Schools Career Educators Alliance & Admissions and Marketing Professionals annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Conference organizers created a contest that encouraged cosmetology, esthetics, nails and barbering instructors to submit a video proposal showcasing creative ways they refuel their student’s passion. Three people won all-expense paid trips to present at the national conference. Paine was the only Cosmetology instructor selected.

Paine’s submission focused the benefits of using social contracts to establish a culture of respect in the classroom. This ideology is a key part of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts framework for educators. Meridian implemented this program in 2014 to provide instructors with tools and strategies to help develop relationships with their students that lead to fewer disciplinary issues and greater student achievement.

“We’ve had great success using social contracts in the classroom,” she said regarding her presentation topic. “I really thought this was something that other educators could take back to their classrooms and get instant results.”

The social contract that Paine creates with her students outlines how students want to be treated by her, how she wants to be treated by students, how students will treat each other and how they will handle conflict. Students lead the contract process and the end result is a document that everyone signs. It is displayed prominently in the classroom and serves as a reminder of the class’ commitment to each other.

“Implementing this activity into my classroom has changed the way everyone works together,” she said. “My students know that they have a voice in creating a culture of respect and that extends to how everyone is treated. It’s one of the first things we do at the beginning of the year.”

In addition to presenting at the conference, Paine was able to take part in professional development. She attended a variety of sessions that focused on best practices in teaching as well as classes that focused on the latest industry trends.

Paine has nearly three decades of experience as a salon owner and stylist. For the last 10 years she has shared both her professional skills and her passion for education with the next generation of Cosmetologists as the instructor of the high school Cosmetology program at Meridian. Paine masterfully blends hands-on instruction with the employability skills that students need to become successful in the industry. She is an active member of several educational initiatives at her school including attending conferences with the Southern Regional Educational Board, Technology Centers That Work and Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She has also taken part in professional development at Redken Exchange in New York. In addition to taking part in ongoing industry training Paine is working toward her teaching certificate at Oklahoma State University.

For more information or to enroll visit www.meridiantech.edu or contact a career counselor by phone at (405) 377-3333 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.