Winners of the Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award for Spring 2025 are shown here with Dr. Debbie Murray and Dr. Tammy Johnson, daughters of Jimmy W. Bilbo, for whom the award is named. From left, back row, Ellie James, Murray, Johnson and Ethan Gallaher; front row, from left, Gracie Hixson and Ashley Kitterman.
Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education named Ethan Gallaher, Gracie Hixson, Ellie James and Ashley Kitterman the recipients of the Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award. The award honors the legacy of Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo, a foundational leader in Lee’s Teacher Education Program for 35 years.
“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.”
Mr. Gallaher, a mathematics education graduate from Cleveland, completed his student teaching at Cleveland Middle School and plans to teach math at a local school this fall.
Ms. Hixson, an interdisciplinary studies K-5 education graduate from Riceville, Tn., student taught at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary and South Polk Elementary and plans to stay and teach K-5 in the surrounding area.
Ms. James, a special education graduate from Cleveland, completed her student teaching in special education at Rhea County Middle and Hopewell Elementary. She plans to teach special education in the area this fall.
Ms. Kitterman, from Cleveland, completed her student teaching at Wolftever Creek Elementary in Ooltewah and Cleveland High. She is a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) graduate and plans to teach ESL nearby.
“Seeing our father's life reflected through these bright and caring student teachers is such a pleasure,” said Dr. Debbie Bilbo Murray, Lee provost. “These soon-to-be exemplary teachers will continue this positive impact on their students, and that would make our father so proud. The legacy of Dr. Jimmy Bilbo continues.”
The award recipients were honored during a ceremony held on Lee’s campus. During the ceremony, fellow graduates Hannah Garner, Jacob Link and Gracie Webb shared reflections on their student teaching experiences.
Ms. Garner completed her student teaching at Stuart Elementary and Waterville Elementary. Mr. Link student taught at Cleveland Middle and Walker Valley High, while Ms. Webb student taught at Central High and Michigan Avenue Elementary.
Established in 1996, the Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award recognizes outstanding student teachers. Recipients are nominated by their cooperating teachers and principals.