Teacher-Education Program, Students Pay Tribute to Mentors

Photos by Heidi Stambuck and Jake Ayo

Aubree Rogers and Cindy Davison, top; Angie Browning and Michael Tapee, center; Miranda Tims, Catherine Miller, Michaela Adamec, Erica Brockunier and Michael Tapee

Angie Browning of Ramay Junior High School in Fayetteville and Cindy Davison of Bayyari Elementary School in Springdale were named mentor teachers of the year by the University of Arkansas during a reception Tuesday.

The Office of Teacher Education hosted about 350 people at the Fayetteville Town Center, including teacher education students, College of Education and Health Professions faculty and staff members and the mentor teachers who work with students during their internships in local schools.

The group represented 10 districts and 35 schools where U of A students complete teaching internships, said Jake Ayo, director of field placement in the Office of Teacher Education.

Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, and Mike Daugherty, head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, welcomed everyone and emphasized the importance of mentor teachers to the success of the teacher-education program.

"When I interview students at the end of the year, they unanimously say the most important part of the program is the internship," Daugherty said.

He offered advice to the students on how they can thank their mentors, including a handwritten note, keeping in touch throughout their careers and becoming a mentor themselves.

Students who nominated Browning and Davison also spoke. Michael Tapee, who nominated Browning, said she radically changed the trajectory of his life. He could see the incredible love her students have for her and she was always honest with them, whether they were doing great or not-so-great. He also learned about differentiating instruction from Browning and saw her leadership skills with other teachers at Ramay.

Aubree Rogers, who nominated Davison, said her mentor welcomed her on her first day with the gift of a small notebook left on the desk that would be hers for 18 weeks. Davison demonstrated the importance of planning, flexibility, reflection and classroom management. She taught Rogers that a soft voice is often the best way to get students' attention, and she also took a personal interest in Rogers that made a difference in the experience.

Students in the program who received outstanding student awards from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction were also honored: Miranda Tims, career and technical education; Michaela Adamec, career and technical education; Ericka Danielle Brockunier, elementary education; Reed Smith, physical education; Catherine Miller, childhood education; and Michael Tapee, secondary education.