TPTE Students Awarded Scholarships for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

January 8, 2026 by Heather Davis Leave a Comment

We are proud to announce the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education’s Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 scholarship recipients!

• Alex Bartusch – Middle School Mathematics, JEP Program (Post-Baccalaureate), received the Arline Kay Mandzak Scholarship. Alex is from Crystal Lake, Il. He chose a career in teacher because he loves teaching children, a love he developed from his father, who was a teacher. He recalls seeing many of his father’s former students reaching out to him years after being in his classroom to update them about their lives, and this inspires him to be an equally impactful teacher. His favorite class and instructor, so far, is MEDU 485 with Missy Cosby. Alex says that Missy She makes class fun, interactive and has created some really interesting views on teaching styles and what to incorporate into his classroom that he hadn’t thought of. He hopes to bring a safe and inviting environment to his own classroom where students actually want to learn and understand math.
• Kelsey Bell, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track), received the Graves Support Fund scholarship. Kelsey is from Nolensville, TN. She has chosen a career in teaching because she loves being able to help children learn and grow. She has an 8-year old little brother who is her inspiration for teaching – watching him grow up and being able to help him learn new things brings her so much joy. She plans to help students increase their literacy skills and to use creative strategies to meet different learning needs. Her favorite class and instructor so far have been HDFS 405 with Elsa Nownes because Elsa created such a supportive environment, was also very understanding of the ups and downs college has on students and always offered her support. Kelsey says that the teacher education program has taught her ways to incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, genuine passion for learning that inspires students, and bringing strong relationships built on respect, empathy and trust so that every child feels valued and capable of success.
• Victoria Collins, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Birth-K track), received the Graves Support Fund scholarship. Victoria says she choose a career in teaching because she always wanted to be the teacher she needed when she was growing up, and had great 4th and 5th grade teachers, as well as a very encouraging high school science teacher. She plans to focus on SPED for early education and elementary age children. Her favorite class and instructor so far is SPED 303 with Jessica Schwind. She says that it was in this class that she truly had the moment when she knew she wanted to teach SPED. Victora says that teacher education program had deeply influenced her by equipping her with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to thrive as an educator and that the program has reinforced her belief that teaching is not just a profession but a calling.
• Sophia Costarides, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track), received the Mark and Susan Lawson Scholarship. Sophia is from Atlanta, GA, and chose a career in teaching because she believes that how children are treated in the classroom can play a significant role in their futures. She plans to become a preschool teacher. Her favorite class and instructor so far have been her 470 practicum with Kathy Kidd. Sophia says that the teacher education program has helped her build confidence in herself as a teacher and gain extensive knowledge about child development.
• Brielle DeForest – Education, STEM Secondary Concentration (VolsTeach 6-12 Mathematics Education specialization), received the Brent & Rachel Trantham Scholarship. Brelle is from Lombard, IL. Brielle has chosen a career in teaching because she was inspired by her mother who is a teacher, and because of the positive influence of her math education teacher in high school who made learning exciting and more interesting. She would like to stay and teach high school algebra or calculus in the Knoxville area, as well as a soccer coach for the school at which she ends up teaching (she has played soccer her whole life). Her favorite class and instructor, so far, is MEDU 434 and Nick Kim because the class has taught her how to make lesson plans and to gain field experience. Brielle says that Nick makes learning very interesting and his experience and background in math is advantageous. She also says that her experience through her VolsTeach courses, especially in field placements, has helped her want to provide a classroom where students are engaged, enjoy learning, and retain the content. 
• Quincy Decious, Elementary Education (no minor), received the Betty Browman Scholarship. Quincy is from Vacaville, CA. She developed her love for teaching after working as a nanny and helping the children she cared for with their class assignments. She plans to be an elementary teacher who inspires students to love learning as much as she does, especially in social studies and math. Her favorite instructor and class, so far, is ELED 422 with Amanda Rigell. She enjoys meeting with her cohort classmates and discussing their placement experiences. She also values the thoughtful feedback Amanda provides, the way she leads discussions, and the care, wish for success, advocacy, and support Amanda has for her students. Quincy says that the Teacher Education program has opened her eyes to the knowledge and preparation teachers need before going into the classroom and has taught her how to keep students engaged and use different instructional strategies to best support their growth.
• Kiana Dimas, Elementary Education (no minor), received the Betty Browman Scholarship. Kiana is from Louisville, TN. She chose a career in teaching because she loves to instill a lifelong love of learning amongst young learners. The people who have inspired her are her 3rd and 4th grade teachers who made her feel welcome and smart in her classes.  She plans on getting a job as a teacher at an elementary school in East Tennessee. Her favorite class and instructors so far have been the Special Education classes she has taken, specifically with Ashlee Smethers and Betsy Malone, who make the learning process engaging and fun and are always there for their students. She hopes to bring encouragement, acceptance and love to all students so they know that they are loved and cared for in their class together and wants to ensure that they have all they need to prosper in their education.   
• Bellanira Cruz Enriquez, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Birth-K track), received the Graves Support Fund scholarship. Bellanira is from Greenville, TN. She says she chose a career in teaching because she loves working with children, advocating for them, and seeing how they learn / grow throughout the years.  She plans to work with children either in a school setting or in a program that helps with their development. Her favorite class and instructor so far has been any of the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood classes taught by Melody Hobbs. Victoria says that, in the teacher education program, one of the most important pieces of advice a mentor has given her is to “keep the lessons small, but the intentions big.”   The teacher education program also allowed her to learn from others in the program and from alumni from the program.
• Brooklyn Foster, Education with a concentration in VolsTeach Math 6-12 program, received the VolsTeach Support Scholarship. Brooklyn is from Odenton, Maryland. She has chosen a career in teaching because the nurturing teaching she received from her high school math teacher who helped her overcome discouraging early education experiences and develop a love of math and the desire to carry forward the same inspiration, encouragement, and love for learning she received. She would like to teach Precalculus or Calculus 1 as a math teacher. One of her favorite courses and instructors so far has been SPED 303 with Katherine Galyon. She has always been interested in pursuing a special education minor and feels that this class was beneficial in deepening her understanding. The teacher education program, through coursework, field placements, and collaboration with peers and mentors, has deeply shaped her perspective on what it means to be an effective educator, helped to strengthen her commitment to equity and inclusion in the classroom, and has transformed her view of teaching from simply delivering content to fostering a classroom community where every student feels capable, valued, and inspired to learn. 
• Kelsey Freeman – Ph.D. in School Psychology, received the Richard Yoakley Scholarship. Kelsey born in Elizabethton, TN but because her family moved a lot due to her father’s military service, she considers Ramstein, German to be her hometown. She chose a career in School Psychology because she is passionate about supporting students’ mental, emotional, social, and academic health. School psychology allows her to combine my interest in assessment, therapy, and consultation to provide support not only to students, but to caregivers and teachers as well. She hopes to continue to provide assessment and intervention services to children and families and, in the schools, she would like to provide consultation services to support teachers in the classroom. Her favorite class, so far, has been practicum because it allows her apply what she learns directly in the school setting. She has really enjoyed the practicum and supervision courses she has had with Chris Skinner, Kai Shum, and Carolyn Blondin. The School Psychology program has provided Kelsey with the skills to feel confident as a clinician and the people in the program have given her much support to work through the challenges that come with earning a doctorate. She is grateful to them all. 
• Calum Greene  – Early Childhood Education (Birth-K), received the Mildred Graves Early Childhood Education Scholarship. Calum is originally from Oak Hill, FL but currently resides in Morristown, TN. Calum chose a career in teaching because she has always been drawn to child development and the science of how infant humans develop into well rounded adults, and loved to play “school” with younger siblings, where Calum was the teacher. Calum plans to teach Kindergarten or Pre-K and has a further interest in obtaining a Master’s degree in special education or child development. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, has been educational technology with Taylor Allen because she, though she considers herself very tech-savvy and more tech-informed than most of her peers, she learned a great deal about technology within education.  Calum hopes to bring best practices approaches, developmentally appropriate lessons and play balance to her classroom and to always be her students’ biggest advocate.
• Carlos Roman Gonzalez – Ph.D. in Education (Teacher Education concentration – Mathematics Education), received the John R. and Nancy Ray Scholarship. Carlos is from Santa Teresa, Guerrero, Mexico. Carlos has chosen a career in teaching because of his personal experience as an immigrant student navigating cultural and socioeconomic barriers, and from his deep commitment to equity in education developed from mentors who believed in him and helped him see his story as one of strength rather than one of obstacles. Teaching became his way of giving that same sense of hope and possibility to others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. He hopes to design and study community-based STEM programs that connect classroom learning with students’ lived experiences, making STEM both accessible and personally meaningful. One of his favorite classes and instructors, so far, is MEDU 523 with Missy Cosby. Carlos says this course was transformative for him because it shifted how he views learning challenges and the importance of designing spaces where all students can engage meaningfully in mathematics, feel valued, and set attainable goals for themselves.  The Teacher Education program has helped him reflect deeply on his teaching philosophy, emphasizing student voice, cultural knowledge, and identity as central to learning. 
• Clare Halliday, Master’s in Education, received the See Beautiful Scholarship. Clare is from Franklin, TN, and is an UTK alum (Child & Family Studies – Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track). She has chosen a teaching career because she has wanted to be a teacher since third grade, having been inspired by the many amazing teachers who made school feel welcoming and safe for her. She hopes to be that same source of encouragement and belonging for her future students. She is most interested in teaching first or second grade. Her favorite instructor and class, so far, is CFS with Kathy Kidd, where she had the experience to teach at the Early Learning Center. She says this experience was invaluable in preparing her for the realities of classroom teaching, helping her build stamina, and showing her firsthand how both development and environment shape children’s learning. Clare says that through the Teacher Education program, she has gained not only practical teaching skills but also a deeper understanding of how to create an inclusive, engaging classroom environment.
• Katelynn Hobby, Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track), received the Betsy Burmeister Scholarship. Katelynn is from Grainger County, TN. She chose a career in teaching because, growing up, she watched her mother work in an early childhood classroom, which sparked her passion for education. She feels she has a calling to make a difference in the lives of children. She is considering pursuing a minor or additional focus in Special Education. She favorite classes and instructors so far are IEC 445 with Melody Hobbs because Melody helped her learn how to truly dive into the kindergarten curriculum; IEC 350 and 351 with Lori Caudle because Lori has provided some of Katelynn’s most valuable preschool field placement experiences, and SPED 416 with Alexis Carringer because Alexis has greatly expanded her understanding of how to explicitly teach reading and how to provide accommodations for children with dyslexia and other disabilities in early reading development. Katelynn’s goal is to provide developmentally appropriate and engaging instruction that inspires curiosity rather than relying heavily on discipline or control. She feels that the Teacher Education program has challenged and expanded her understanding of what it means to be an effective teacher, the importance of positive reinforcement over focusing on negative behavior, building authentic connections with students, being culturally competent, and making accommodations to support students with special needs.
• Elena Karsten, Master’s in Education, received the Porscha Thomas Scholarship. Elena is from Knoxville, TN and is a UTK alum (Child & Family Studies – Elementary Education (PreK-3 track).  She wants to be an educator because caring for and supporting children is something that has always come naturally to her, growing up in a large, blended family, where she often helped her siblings and young relatives.  She is pursuing her Master’s in Education because she is excited to continue growing as an educator who supports the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, is IEC 422 with Robyn Brookshire. Elena says this course stood out because it was the first time she could apply and observe everything she had been learning in a real classroom setting, helping her to gain a deeper understanding of child development and what effective, intentional teaching looks like in practice. She feels that Robyn is an incredible educator who demonstrates genuine empathy and care for her students and is passionate and committed to preparing future educators while also understanding her students’ needs. Elena says that Teacher Education program has helped her grow her confidence, provided the tools to create meaningful learning experiences, and shown her the importance of being reflective and intentional in planning activities that meet each child’s individual needs.
• Katherine Lewis, Child and Family Studies major with a concentration in Elementary Education (PreK-3 track), received the Porschia Thomas Scholarship. Katherine is from Franklin, TN, and chose a career in teaching because she loves working with kids and helping them grow and unlock their potential through learning. She was inspired by her first-grade teacher. She hopes to graduate with her master’s and move to an area where she can teach inner city children.  Her favorite class so far has been SPED 416 with Alexis Boucher Carringer, who she says always provides meaningful feedback. Katherine says that the teacher education program has helped her understand effective teaching strategies and the importance of adapting to diverse student needs, shaping her into a more confident educator.
• Anna Lovely, Master’s in Education, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood PreK-3 track, received the Porscha Thomas scholarship. Anna is from Davis, CA. Anna chose a career in teaching as she has always had a passion for teaching and has been working with children since she was a teenager. She had many amazing teachers in her life growing up who inspired her to be the best teacher she can be. She hopes to stay in Knoxville to continue teaching at Knox County Schools. Her favorite class so far has been IEC 470 at the ELC. She hopes to bring some joy and whimsy into children’s lives in the classroom and foster a love of learning in her students. 
• Rachel Lynn, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, received the Porschia Thomas Scholarship. Rachel is from Aldie, VA. She chose a career in education because of the profound impact and meaningfulness of the profession. She plans to become a 1st grade teacher. Her favorite class and instructors so far have been Math 155 with Joe Lopez. Rachel says that even though math isn’t usually her most favorite subject, “Dr. Joe” as students refer to him, take the time to help each student and truly cares about his students and their success. She hopes to influence students in her classroom positively to provide them with confidence and preparedness to approach their education boldly, so they can be the greatest version of themselves.
• Gabrielle Maine – Education, STEM Secondary Concentration (VolsTeach Middle Grades Math Education specialization), received the Brent & Rachel Trantham Scholarship. Gabrielle is from Knoxville, TN.  She has chosen a career in teaching after a period of indecision, upon reflecting how much she loved interacting with students while teaching swim lessons at the YMCA and at her church’s middle school youth program. She hopes to work full time at Christ Covenant Church, where she currently works part-time as the Middle School Girls director.  Gabrielle feels that her most enjoyable classes have been her MEDU classes because they taught her a great deal about math content, pedagogy, and more. Her favorite teacher, so far, is Nick Kim because his classes are a great balance of different teaching and learning styles and because he is helpful, down-to-earth, and supportive.  She says that the Teacher Education program has equipped her with many different teaching resources and strategies to implement in the classroom, which she feels provides a well-rounded education and good preparation for teaching.
• Sarah McGregor – Middle School Mathematics, JEP Program, received the Arline Kay Mandzak Scholarship. Sarah is from Shelly, ID. She has chosen a career in teaching because she always loved math and teaching others math concepts, and was influenced by major motion films which showed the differences teachers can make in changing students lives.  She hopes to continue growing her teaching career which never losing her passion for learning. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, has been SPED 503 with Jessica Schwind. Sarah says that she found the content from this course high relevant, practical, realistic, and immediately applicable in her own classroom. She says that the Teacher Education program has pushed her to think critically about how she can make learning accessible and meaningful for every student, regardless of their background or confidence level, knowledge she hopes to bring her classroom to create a safe learning environment for all students, regardless of their skills and learning abilities.  
• Samuel Miller, Special Education 5-year Master’s in Education path, received the Jack Henry Lorber Scholarship. Samuel is from Knoxville, TN. He has chosen a career in teaching because when, he was placed in a “teaching as a profession” class in high school, despite his preference not to be included in the class and quickly fell in love with teaching. He also peer tutored in high school, which allowed him to work with and befriend students with whom he would not normally share classes, inspiring him to pursue a career in special education. He most looks forward to helping special education students, who are often overlooked, to have meaningful lives after high school. His favorite class and instructor, so far, is SPED 490 with Cate Smith. Samuel says that Cate has been a particularly impactful professor because she holistically cares for her students, has helped him to critically think about why he does what he does, practices what she teaches, and makes all of her students feel supported and heard. He says that the teacher education program has a built-in practicum experience which has not-only given him hands-on experience but has also allowed him to build connections and relationships with professionals in the education field.
• Savannah Pearson, Elementary Education & Child & Family Studies minor, received the Ellen Hardwick Scholarship. Savannah is from Cookeville, TN. She chose a career in teaching because she wants to help make a difference for future generations, helping students to feel safe while pushing them to achieve their goals. She would love to stay and teach in Knoxville. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, is Science Education 430 with Elizabeth MacTavish. Savannah felt it was really fun to learn about making science more fun and engaging in elementary school, and she’s been able to use things she’s learned in that class when teaching her science lessons now. She says that Teacher Education program gave her so many different strategies and advice on how to make students feel included within the classroom no matter their abilities, and that she hopes to bring equity and respect into her own classroom. 
• Caroline Peplow, Child and Family Studies major with a concentration in Elementary Education (PreK-3 track) received the Graves Support Fund scholarship and the Collette Scholarship. Caroline is from Oak Ridge, TN. She chose a career in teaching because of the impact on children, which she particularly witnessed in a placement she was in with a Head Start program. She has a strong interest in curating curriculums for children’s interests, adding play into lessons. Her favorite class and instructor so far have been SPED 302N with Cassie Sorrells, and she says that this class helped her to determine her future career. Victoria says that the teacher education program has given her an abundance of opportunities to grow her knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom and has made her passion for teaching thrive. 
• Kimberly Poyner – Early Childhood Education, received the Mildred Graves Early Childhood Education Scholarship. Kimberly is from Martin, TN. Influenced by her mother as well as her head start teacher, Patsy Rogers, her kindergarten teacher, Martha Freeman, Kimberly chose a teaching career because she feels that helping the children and families she serves understand that education can change lives and can improve a child’s sense of security, confidence and self-belief.  She would like to continue working in an early childhood setting. She feels that each of the professors and classes she has had have provided her with exceptional learning opportunities, with each instructor having been clear with their class and learning expectations. Kimberly feels that the teacher education program has influenced her to be the best teacher that I can be and has given her the knowledge to be able to help each student be successful in their academic journey.
• Renee Robinson – Geography & English with Secondary Education minor, received the David G. Craig Scholarship. Renee is from Kingsport, TN. She has chosen a career in teaching because she wanted to be like the secondary education teachers and college professor that helped mold her into the person that she is. She also fell in love with teaching while taking EDU100S and being paired with a teacher in Knox County for her teacher observations. She would like to work in a Knox County school or the school in which she is interning this year, and to return to UTK to pursue a PhD in Education or Geography. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, is TPTE 352 with Kelly Wallace because she felt the class was a wonderful way to prepare her for the real world and working with ELL students. The class paired her with Centro Hispano, where she ended up volunteering for more hours than class required because of her love for Centro Hispano. From the Teacher Education program, she hopes to bring with her the ability and knowledge to foster a classroom where all of her students thrive regardless [of anything else], offers a safe space, makes them proud of who they are (and who they’re becoming). 
• José Magdaleno Rodriguez, EdS in Middle Grades Mathematics with JEP licensure, received the M.J. Ellis Bogle Scholarship. José currently lives in Viola, TN. He has chosen a career in teaching because he was influenced when he was in high school by his sister who had to take an Algebra 2 class in the summer. The school system lacked available math teachers to cover the summer course and had assigned an English education teacher to teach the course. The teacher was ‘stuck’ on a topic, and José’s sister asked the teacher if she could come to the class to explain the material – at which point he ended up teaching everyone Algebra 2! Upon completing his EdS, he plans to take a year off from university, then return to pursue a doctorate, possibly in Educational Leadership. His favorite class and instructor, so far, has been Education 576 with Geri Landry. José says that Geri has made great supervisor pairing for him for his Licensure to advise him on methods that could benefit him and the classroom; that she keeps her students informed; and that without that class, he would not reach his full potential. He says that the teacher education program has taught him that his students can be a challenge but as long as he does not give up on them, they will succeed. José says, “Keep your eyes open for my students in the future because greatness is headed our way.”
• Alycia Russell – Master’s in Education, received the David G. Craig Scholarship. Alycia is from Knoxville, TN. She has chosen a career in teaching because of her love as a child playing ‘teacher’ for her younger siblings and as vacation bible school teacher-volunteer, something she developed while attending in-service days with her grandmother, who was a Knox County school teacher for 32 years, and the positive influence of her fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Murray. She would like to teach high school for 3-4 years before pursuing an additional degree in American history.  Her favorite instructors, so far, have been Joshua Kenna who has been the most inspirational because he is always willing to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and a solid piece of advice. She also holds history professors Beau Gaitor (the most energetic professor she’s ever had) and Ernest Freeburg (who has greatly impacted her writing and research more than any professor) close to her heart.  The Teacher Education program has taught her to ‘be there’ for her students, the ability to explore different teaching styles, and observe other veteran teachers. She would recommend this Teaching program to anyone who really cares about their preparedness and their impact on future students.
• Rachel Seal, Psychology – Elementary Education minor, received the Ellen Hardwick Scholarship. Rachel is from Knoxville, TN. She has chosen a career in teaching after discovering a love for children while working at Boys and Girls Club, and while getting her undergraduate degree, working as a support teacher and, later, as a preschool teacher at Primrose School of Farragut. She would like to continue learning about the psychology of children because that is, in her opinion, a critical piece of understanding and connecting with them.  Her favorite classes, so far, are in her major – developmental psychology and abnormal psychology because she was able to witness everything she had learned so far working with children from infancy to five years old. Her favorite instructor, so far, is Emily Holtz because Rachel feels that she knew from the moment she met Emily that Emily would always be there to support her and guide her in her education, that Emily is devoted to all of her students, and pushes everyone to be the absolute best teacher they can be, and that she does a great job of balancing rapport with students while also maintaining high expectations for them.  She hopes to build a collaborative, empathetic classroom environment in her future teaching.
• Katerina Scott, Master’s in Education – Geology & Environmental Studies – Elementary Education minor (K-5 track), received the Harold Pryor Scholarship. Katerina was born in Czech Republic and grew up in Kingsport, TN. After initially studying Chemical Engineering at UTK, the pandemic caused her to reevaluate what she wanted out of life. Her time as a Resident Assistant during her undergraduate years, as well as the influence of her grandmother who was an elementary teacher, and her mother, who teaches ESL to Czech students of all ages, helped turn her focus to becoming a teacher.  She hopes to either have her own elementary classroom one day, or to have a career that allows her to combine elementary, special education, and STEM education. Her favorite classes and instructors, so far, have been Elementary Literacy with Miranda Davis, Children’s Literature with Susan Groenke, Special Education with Jenn McNally, Teaching Science with Kristin Rearden, and Teach the Earth with Robert Jacobsen (EEPS & TLI).  Katerina loved Miranda’s and Susan’s literacy classes because she found she developed a passion for teaching reading, particularly the impact of read-alouds;  Jenn’s special education class because it instilled in her an appreciation for inclusive practices for diverse learners; and Kristin’s and Robert’s science education classes because it deepened her love for making science a hands-on means for empowering students’ self-efficacy. Katerina says that the Teacher Education program has influenced her to think about teaching as starting with relationships and knowing one’s students, adapting evidence-based strategies for fitting the curriculum to students’ needs, and creating a safe space for students.
• Kaitlyn Grace Shingler (Grace)¸Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track), received the Porscha Thomas Scholarship. Grace is from Lebanon, TN. Having been influenced by many teachers growing up, she has chosen a career in teaching because of the positive impact she can make each day in children’s lives,. She plans on moving back to Lebanon to be an elementary school teacher in the early grades, creating a positive, strong community within her classrooms. Her favorite class and instructor, so far, has been Early Childhood Teaching Methods, with Robyn Brookshire because the class challenged her and inspired her further in her teaching career. Kaitlyn feels that Robyn provided a strong, supportive environment, making a positive impact on Kaitlyn’s academic career, which she hopes to bring to her own future students. She says that the Teacher Education program has influenced her in the importance of creating strong connections with one’s students and knowing how to have a positive impact on their future selves. 
• Arnice Skikila Smith – Education Philosophy, Social Justice Education, received the John R. and Nancy Ray Scholarship. Arnice is from Knoxville, TN. She has chosen a career in teaching because of her belief in her duty to become an asset to the community in which she feels she was once a liability, being a survivor of adversity. Her future interests involve significant teacher recruitment and retention within the Knoxville community and looks forward to utilizing her life story in a way that invokes duty in others to pursue teaching as a career. She does not have a favorite class but has found joy and enlightenment in each class and has several instructors  (whom she wishes not to name) she could easily consider to be her favorite, so much so that it could easily be assumed that the institution as a whole is her favorite.  Arnice says that the Teacher Education program has influenced her by creating an inclusive feeling of belonging through professors at UTK who exemplify the Torchbearer creed and consistently reach out to her regarding future opportunities and collaborations. 
• Ashlynn Spears, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, received the Mark and Susan Lawson Scholarship. Ashlynn is from Athens, TN, and chose a career in teaching because she has had a passion for working with children from a young age. She plans to become a 1st or 2nd grade teacher in Knox County. Her favorite class and instructor so far have been CFS 422 with Robyn Brookshire, who Ashlynn says has been a huge part of her success in CFS 422 because of the way Robyn positively treats and encourages her students. She says that her time in the teacher education program has helped her to see the importance of building strong relationships with students and families. 
• Emily Spurlock, Master’s in Education, received the See Beautiful Scholarship. Emily is from Fayetteville, TN. Emily is a UTK alum, having received her Bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies – Early Childhood Education. She has chosen a career in teaching with encouragement from her mother after first changing undergraduate majors a few times because she was afraid of the stories she heard about teaching in early childhood education.  She plans to move to the Murfreesboro area and start her teaching career there. Her favorite class, so far, has been IEC 470 because of the practicum placement in a pre-kindergarten classroom which allowed her to create one-on-one relationships with the children and supported moments for her to reflect and grow alongside her peers during lecture times. Her favorite instructor, so far, has been Robyn Brookshire because she helped Emily confirm that she was always meant to be an educator, and that Robyn has always valued her students as human beings, relating to them on a level that most wouldn’t, particularly around a sense of security regarding mental health. Emily says that the Teacher Education program has influenced her to respect children and see them as human beings and to create a flexible teaching environment that caters to the needs and wants of children.
• Angela Trunzo – Ph.D. Education with a concentration in Special Education, Deaf Education, and Interpreter Education, received the John R. and Nancy Ray Scholarship. Angela is from Auburn, AL. She has been in the field of education for nearly 20 years and chose a career in teaching because it allows her to ‘throw a metaphorical pebble into the world, creating ripples that have a lasting, multiplicative effect on current and future learners”.  Angela says that she owes deep gratitude to Mistine Dawe, a special educator who hired her as a special education teaching assistant long ago, as well as to all the students she has had the pleasure of teaching. My future interests include preparing future educators for the field and researching evidence-based practices that develop students’ self-determination skills within the context of IEP meetings. She says that each class has been an important part of her PhD journey and every professor has been supportive and deeply knowledgeable in their area of expertise. Arnice says that the Teacher Education program has provided her with teaching, supervision, and research opportunities that have prepared her to pursue her goal of becoming an assistant professor in special education. 
• Kendall Wachowiak, Secondary Education – Math & Physics minor, received the VolsTeach Support Scholarship. Kendall is from Erie, CO. She has chosen a career in teaching because she really enjoys calculus and physics, and she wants to pass on her love for these subjects to the next generation, especially young women. Her high school calculus teacher, who supported her academically and emotionally, has been an inspiration for Kendall. Her favorite classes, so far, are EF 157 and EF 158, which are physics classes for engineers. Her favorite instructor, so far, is Mary Terry in her CSE class as she is a very engaging professor and does a great job at getting her students to think critically about education systems around the world. Kendall says that the Teacher Education program has influenced her by highlighting how every student is different and learning how to accommodate different learning styles and content knowledge into lessons to ensure that every student can thrive inside and outside of the classroom.
• Hailey Werkheiser, Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 track), received the Porscha Thomas Scholarship. She is from Knoxville, TN. She chose a career in teaching because, having had many amazing mentors and teachers who have made a long-lasting impact on her, she adores working with children and finds happiness in being a part of their journey of learning in education.  She wants to continue to grow as an educator who always prioritizes children and their learning and is looking forward to strengthening her skills and knowledge in culturally responsive teaching. Hailey says that the Teacher Education program has taught her a lot about teaching, and that she has been able to find who she is as a teacher thanks to the program. She says she will continue to use her knowledge and experiences from the program for her entire teaching career.
• Candace West – Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Early Care and Education (non-licensure), received the Mildred Graves Early Childhood Education Scholarship. Inspired by several teachers throughout her educational life, Candace chose a teaching career because she understands the importance of early childhood education and feel a strong calling to support children and families during their most formative years. She plans to become a coach and mentor for early childhood educators. Her favorite class, so far, has been the SPED class she took because she feels this course was both highly informative and immediately applicable to her work, strengthening my understanding of inclusivity and reinforcing the importance of meeting each child’s unique needs. Candace says that the teacher education program has strongly influenced my approach by deepening her understanding of child development, inclusive practices, and intentional teaching strategies. Through coursework and field-based experiences, she has learned the importance of meeting children where they are, using data and observation to guide instruction, and collaborating with families and colleagues. The program has strengthened her confidence as an educator and reinforced her commitment to creating equitable learning opportunities that support all learners.
• Skylyn Wood, Masters in Education, received the Betsy Burmeister Scholarship. Skylyn is from Knoxville, TN. Skylyn holds a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and has pursued a dual license for ESL.  Knowing early on that she wanted to pursue a teaching degree at UTK, she chose a career in teaching because she always loved playing teacher and ‘going to school’ growing up, having been influenced by both of her aunts who are educators with ESL licenses.  Following the completion of her Masters, she hopes to work in a Title 1 school that supports community building and a love of lifelong learning, where she can build an effective teaching practice for multilingual learners. Her favorite classes and instructors, so far, are ELED 322 with Amanda Rigell and TPTE 574/575 with Elizabeth MacTavish. Skylyn feels that Amanda is very supportive and that her feedback helped her very much with lesson planning and learning best practices for teaching in the classroom. She feels that Elizabeth is very supportive, and her communication is great. She feels her internship has been incredible and that it’s nice to talk with peers on Fridays to discuss ways that they can improve.  Skyline says the Teacher Education program has given her a mix of valuable skills, including the ability to adapt and be flexible, that she can rely on as she encounters challenges in the first years of her teaching. She also now understands that there is always room for improvement, even on her best days.
• Not Pictured: Haley Daggett, Olivia Payne, and Kaye Sterling