Excitement filled the room on Monday, April 29, as 58 students in the College of Education & Human Development at the Ìϲ©ÌåÓý, gathered for the Student Teaching Welcome Celebration. During the event, students received their long-awaited student teaching assignments for Fall 2025.
The inaugural celebration brought together students, College faculty, supervisors, and lead teachers to mark the milestone moment. The event kicked off with remarks from Dean Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Student Success Diana ElAlami.
“Hosting the Student Teaching Welcome Ceremony for the first time created such a meaningful and supportive experience for our students,” ElAlami said. “We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and help them transition into this exciting phase of their educational journey.”
Following the remarks, students opened sealed envelopes revealing the schools where they will complete their student teaching. Placement sites span the state of Ìϲ©ÌåÓý, with a few students assigned to partner schools in California.
After the big reveal, students had the opportunity to connect with their assigned supervisors and lead teachers, discussing their placements and next steps.
A student stated, “I feel great! It’s nice having all of this information early and the chance to meet supervisors and lead teachers.”
Students celebrated their placement with University faculty, lead teachers and supervisors. Each student also received a custom polo and a box of classroom supplies to support them in their upcoming teaching experience. Lead teachers and supervisors received a thank you gift from the College for all their work in preparing the next generation of teachers.
“I am very excited and feel better prepared to work with my student teacher,” one lead teacher expressed.
Each student also received a custom polo and a box of classroom supplies to support them in their upcoming teaching experience.Shanon Taylor, Ed.D., interim chair of the Department of Educator Preparation and professor of Special Education, reflected on the significance of the event.
“Student teaching can create stress and anxiety as the interns are waiting to learn where they will be placed for the experience and sometimes don’t meet their lead teacher or supervisor until the school year begins. We wanted to make it an exciting experience, something to look forward to, and allow the interns and their mentors to meet in a fun setting.”
The Student Teaching Welcome Celebration marks a pivotal moment in the teacher preparation program, serving as a bridge between coursework and real-world classroom experience.
