OTECP Announces Residency Winners for November 2024
December 10, 2024 - The College of Education (COE) Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice (OTECP) is proud to announce the recipients of Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month for November 2024: Alexandra Cruz, Dustin Duren and Dr. LaSheba Hilliard.
Cruz, a native Memphian, is a graduate student in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (ICL), currently working on her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English as a Second Language (ESL). She says her love for teaching grew during her time as an undergraduate when she worked at a preschool. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. from Honduras before she was born. Her experiences growing up is why she chose ESL, because of how deeply she relates to situations immigrant students and their families face when it comes to learning a second language. She just wrapped up her placement at Schilling Farms Elementary in Collierville and plans to continue working in the preschool setting after graduation, on the lookout for ESL positions in the upcoming school year.
鈥淚 got the notification on my watch, and I thought, 鈥榃ait! Was that my name for Student Teacher of the Month?鈥欌�� Cruz recalled. 鈥淚鈥檓 truly happy to be finishing up this semester and program on such a high note. It does feel good to have your hard work recognized!鈥�
Physical Education Specialist Dustin Duren is currently in his seventh year of teaching at Schilling Farms. A double graduate of UofM, BSEd in 2016 and MS in 2018, Duren says being a mentor teacher is his way to give back to his alma mater.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to be acknowledged as Mentor Teacher of the Month鈥ut to me, it鈥檚 not about the recognition, rather the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with those who are seeking. I鈥檓 fortunate to do that.鈥� Duren said.
Clinical Supervisor of the Month, Dr. LaSheba Hillard, said the notification was a pleasant surprise. The assistant professor of teaching who has been with the UofM for three years currently oversees teacher candidates in the Arlington School District, Memphis Shelby County Schools, Memphis Business Academy, University Schools and Marion School District.
鈥淩eceiving this recognition serves as a reminder that the time, energy and compassion I dedicated to my students did not go unnoticed. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue making a meaningful impact,鈥� Hilliard said.
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