Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education has named Mikayla Biller, Lily Welch and Mazzie Zawisza the recipients of the Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award. The students received their award for this honor at a celebration held to recognize the hard work of all the school’s student teachers.
The award is given in memory of Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo who was instrumental in developing and leading Lee’s Teacher Education Program for 35 years.
Ms. Biller is a business 6th-12th grade education major from Cleveland. She student taught at Cleveland High School and Ooltewah High School and plans to stay in Cleveland to teach high school business.
Ms. Welch is a history 6th-12th grade education major from Maryville, Tn. She student taught at Lake Forest Middle and Central High School, and she will be teaching at Chattanooga Preparatory School this fall.
Ms. Zawisza, a chemistry 6th-12th grade education major from Oak Ridge, Tn., student taught 8th grade at Ocoee Middle School and 11th-12th grade at Tyner Academy. She has accepted a position teaching 8th grade at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge.
“These individuals truly represent the excellence that the HDCOE seeks to instill in all our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Shane Brown, director of Lee’s Teacher Education Program and Field Experiences. “We are excited about the life-changing impact they, along with their peers, will have for the Kingdom and for well-deserving students across the globe.”
Jessica Clowers and Logan Henson spoke during the celebration, sharing reflections on their student teaching experience.
Ms. Clowers is from Ringgold and student taught 2nd grade at the Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts and 5th grade at E.L. Ross Elementary. She has already accepted a position to teach kindergarten at Michigan Avenue Elementary in Bradley County.
Mr. Henson, of Ooltewah, student taught music education at Lake Forest Middle School and Soddy Daisy High School. Upon graduation, he plans to look for a middle or high school band director position and start a family with his fiancé.
The Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award was established in the spring semester of 1996 and recognizes excellence in student teaching. Winners are nominated by their cooperating teachers and principals to receive this honor.
Winners of the 2024 Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award with Dr. Tammy Johnson, director of the LUDIC Spectrum Center and daughter of the late Dr. Jimmy Bilbo for whom the award is named. From left, are Lily Welch, Makayla Biller, Johnson and Mazzie Zawisza.