Cooperating Teacher Recognition
Spring 2026 Nominations by Student Teachers
Early Childhood / Elementary Education
Amanda Nelson - Kindergarten, Leal Elementary School
"Amanda is a great teacher! Being a student teacher in her class has been amazing. She is hands-on, supportive, and organized. Amanda integrates trauma informed practices in her classroom. She has passion and fights non-stop for her students. She is very impressive!" - Caleigh E.
Andy McDaniel - 5th Grade, Bottenfield Elementary School
"He's really done a good job at supporting me and helping me grow as a teacher. I genuinely recommend him to anyone." - Jake J.
Barbara Bracewell - Pre-K, Champaign Early Childhood Center
"She is very supportive and inclusive of practicum students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. She provides constructive feedback that helps students make progress and build confidence. She also creates a safe learning environment where students can practice what they have learned and view mistakes as part of the learning process. She is a kind-hearted teacher who especially cares for and supports children with disabilities and developmental delays." - Yuxiu Z.
Elisa Dodge - 5th Grade, Lincoln Trail Elementary School
"Mrs. Dodge emulates what it means to be an outstanding teacher. Her classroom is a safe and inclusive space for all students and she has supported me in many ways throughout my student teaching journey. My time in her 5th grade classroom has allowed me to grow in numerous ways and I have her to thank for that." - Michael S.
Hope McClain - 2nd Grade, Avondale-Logandale Elementary School
"I would like to recognize my cooperating teacher, Hope, for the incredible impact she has had on my student teaching experience. She is consistently supportive, patient, and generous with her knowledge. From day one, she has created a classroom environment where I feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to grow. Hope is an exceptional educator who models best practices in instruction, classroom management, and relationship-building with students. She takes the time to thoughtfully answer all of my questions and explains her decision-making process so I can better understand the “why” behind her teaching. Her dedication to her students and her passion for education motivate me daily. I feel incredibly fortunate to learn alongside her and am deeply grateful for the mentorship she provides." - Leslie M.
Jordan Hollingsworth - Kindergarten, Unity West Elementary School
"I want to recognize Ms. Hollingsworth because from the very beginning of my experience she has created a welcoming environment where my thoughts are heard and valued. She involves me in conversations about planning which has helped me build my confidence when teaching. She also takes the time to reflect on my teaching and she highlights what went well and also offers specific suggestions for improvement. Ms. Hollingsworth loves being a cooperating teacher and she takes pride in supporting me as a future educator. I am truly thankful for her support throughout my student teaching experience." - Karla M.
Kate Terrell - 3rd Grade, Fulton Elementary School
"Kate is one of the most supportive people I’ve met while entering this field. She is always checking in on me both professionally and emotionally, and her positive attitude in the classroom is so refreshing!" - Alana B.
Kathleen Carter - 4th Grade, Yankee Ridge Elementary School
"She has provided me with professional guidance, patience, and kindness, while modeling a balance of academic rigor and emotional support in the classroom." - Rosevelia R.
Kristine Rousseau - 4th Grade, Lincoln Trail Elementary School
"Kristine has been an incredible mentor. I am learning so much from her and her students. She does everything she can to make her classroom a positive environment, always making sure students feel safe and comfortable. She lets me try out new techniques, helps me with responding to parent messages, and gives me advice for when I am a full-time teacher. I have had the most wonderful experience so far in her classroom." - Emma H.
Madison Blackburn - 5th Grade, Barkstall Elementary School
"Madison made such an impact on me in my student observing experience. Not only was she consistently kind, helpful, and positive, she has shown me what it looks like to be an amazing teacher, and given me so many strategies to bring into my own classroom. I know that I would not be where I am today going into my teaching career without her guidance." - Amber S.
Rachel Taylor - Pre-K, Champaign Early Childhood Center
"Mrs. Taylor had just come from maternity leave when I started. She had a lot of personal responsibilities when I started my placement with her and she went out of her way to make sure that I always had everything that I needed. She allowed for me to implement my own ideas in the classroom while also allowing me to explore the different ways I could expand on the structured curriculum. The knowledge and guidance that I received from her is something that I will never be able to forget. She is an amazing teacher and I will always be grateful for the opportunities that she gave me." - Ariana L.
Sharla Waugh - 3rd Grade, Clara Peterson Elementary School
"Sharla is a phenomenal teacher! I could not have asked for a more supportive mentor teacher. Her love for teaching is evident in her connections with all of her students. She fills each school day with engaging and meaningful activities that the students love. She truly made me feel like a valued member of the classroom and school community. I wish I could have stayed in her classroom forever!" - Moira I.
Sherry Gittens - 2nd Grade, International Prep Academy
"Mrs. Gittens was my first co-operating teacher and IPA was my first placement. Mrs. Gittens went out of her way to make me feel welcomed and heard when starting and throughout my entire experience. She included me in various aspects of the daily curriculum, allowed for me to sit in during meetings related to collaboration and planning, and always made sure that I had all of the necessary materials needed to succeed. I will never forget the knowledge that Mrs. Gittens shared with me and I am incredibly grateful for her guidance throughout the start of my student observation/teaching journey." - Ariana L.
Stevi John - Kindergarten, Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School
"I am honored to nominate Stevi for the Outstanding Cooperating Teacher recognition. As a kindergarten teacher, she has truly taken the time to teach me the ins and outs of early childhood education—from classroom management and lesson planning to the small, meaningful moments that shape young learners each day. She leads with patience, intention, and heart. Even on the most challenging days, Stevi is living proof that teaching is a powerful and worthwhile profession. Her dedication to her students and her unwavering positivity inspire me daily and have shaped the educator I am becoming." - Samantha R.
Tanissa Tutwiler - 2nd Grade, Thomas Paine Elementary School
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my cooperating teacher. She has been such a meaningful and consistent part of my daily life, and her mentorship has deeply influenced my growth as an educator. From the very beginning, she welcomed me into her classroom not just as a practicum student but as a valued member of the learning community. She models what it truly means to be an intentional, reflective, and student-centered educator. Through her instruction, I have seen what strong classroom management, differentiated instruction, and relationship-building look like in action. She takes the time to explain her thinking behind lesson planning decisions, assessments, and student interactions, which has helped me connect theory from my university courses to real classroom practice. What stands out most is the way she centers her students in everything she does. She builds authentic relationships, maintains high expectations, and creates a classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, and capable. Watching her navigate challenges with patience and professionalism has taught me more than any textbook could. She consistently provides thoughtful feedback that pushes me to grow while also affirming my strengths. Because of her guidance, I have gained confidence in my instructional decision-making, classroom presence, and ability to support diverse learners. She encourages reflection and models lifelong learning, which inspires me as I continue developing my own teaching identity. I truly could not have asked for a better cooperating teacher. Her mentorship has not only strengthened my skills but has also reaffirmed why I chose to pursue elementary education. I am deeply thankful for her support, leadership, and the example she sets every single day." - Stephanie C.
Middle Grades Education
Angela Hankes - 6th Grade ELA, Mahomet-Seymour Junior High School
"Angela has been such a light in both my career and my life. Beyond offering thoughtful advice, she has consistently provided steady encouragement during moments of fear and uncertainty. Her honesty and genuine belief in me have helped to quiet some of my initial doubts about entering the profession. Through her guidance, I’ve not only grown more confident in my abilities, but also developed a deeper understanding of the kind of educator I want to be. Watching the way she approaches her students with care and heart has solidified my decision to pursue this career. I’m already a little jealous of her future student teacher, knowing how lucky they will be to learn from her, and while I know I want to teach back at home in Chicago, it will be extremely hard to leave Mahomet, as I truly feel like I’ve found a home here at MSJR." - Maddie W.
Christine Jolly - 8th Grade Math, Franklin STEAM Academy
"Ms. Jolly has been very supportive and welcoming since day one. I'm inspired by the way she challenges students to think like mathematicians and tries different strategies to help students learn. I am very lucky to have a cooperating teacher like her!" - Olivia L.
Danielle Murchison - 7th Grade Math, Jefferson Middle School
"Miss Murch is the best! From day one, she has made me feel so comfortable and welcome in her classroom. I look forward to coming to school everyday because of her encouragement, support, enthusiasm, and fun energy! I have learned so much from her already, and I look forward to learning even more from her. She is so dedicated to her students, and this shows in her lessons and the thought that goes into everything we do in the classroom. I am so thankful for the example Miss Murch sets and the impact she's had on not only her students, but me as a future teacher as well!" - Carly P.
Jay Meraz - 7th Grade Math, Urbana Middle School
"Ms. Meraz is very encouraging, and approachable. Many students seek advice from here throughout the day and many students come to the room to just say hello. I have been very fortunate to be in Ms. Meraz's space this semester." - Luke C.
Tyler Wheeler - 8th Grade ELA, Franklin STEAM Academy
"Mr. Wheeler has been a great Cooperating Teacher so far! He's always willing to help me with anything that I need, and he's always willing to answer my questions as well. Additionally, he's very kind and understanding! He also always gives me good and useful feedback that I try to use to improve my teaching." - Megan H.
Secondary Education
Abigail Dace - English, Urbana High School
"I am so glad to say that I lucked out on the cooperative teacher lottery because I do not know where I would be without her! Ms. Dace has taught me more than what it means to be a teacher, but also what it means to be human. Oftentimes, we pressure ourselves from being the "perfect" student teacher, but teaching and learning strive on mistakes. From teaching me from having strong classroom management skills to life-saving teacher life hacks, Ms. Dace deserves more than a recognition! I am so beyond thankful to be learning from her." - Sherlyn C.
Ashley Knowles - English, Heritage High School
"Ashley is the kind of teacher people like myself wish to become. It is clear she loves her students just as much as they love her, her care to know each one of them individually being most touching. There is not one student who won't come to her for life advice, homework help, or a good laugh. The relationships she has built has inspired a confidence in me to do the same. I am most certainly a better teacher and human because of her - a privilege it is to work alongside someone so pure. I love you for all that you are & all that you do, Ashley! <3" - Becca T.
David Ferge - Science, Central High School
"Mr. Ferge is an extremely intentional teacher who cares about each student and their learning. I have learned so much from him, especially in planning with purpose, setting high expectations, and creating a supportive classroom environment. He models the kind of thoughtful, inclusive, and student-driven teaching I hope to practice in my own classroom in the future." - Grace Y.
Emma Delgado - Social Studies, Centennial High School
"She has been such a great mentor and co-op to me! I’ve truly learnt so much since I’ve been here from her! On top of that she always finds a way to support me in what I’m doing in the classroom and has trusted me to do things that I don’t even believe in myself to do sometimes! I love the opportunities and support that she has given me so far and I can wait to learn even more from her!" - Kristian R.
Jason Cohen - Social Studies, Prospect High School
"My cooperating teacher's constructive feedback, encouragement, and willingness to share resources and advice have made a lasting impact on my development as an educator. I am incredibly grateful for their guidance and everything that he does." - Cassidy K.
Jessyca Haile - English, Central High School
"She has been extremely supportive through my student teaching and has created a welcoming, warm environment where I can learn, grow, and prosper!" - Maddie B.
Neil Mott - Science, Rolling Meadows High School
"Neil has went above and beyond to help me this past month, and I've really learned so much. He stays after school to reflect on the lesson with me and to help me prepare for labs (even in other classes where he isn't working with me), thoroughly answers any questions that I have about grading, content, etc., always checks to make sure that I'm ready to teach, reminds me to gets materials if needed, and has taught me to so many different instructional strategies that I consistently use. Right from the start, Neil introduced me to the staff, showed me how to make some solutions in the prep room, and is very patient when showing me how HE would teach a topic. Everything I learned is from Neil, and he continues to give me really valuable feedback everyday. My confidence in teaching has rapidly increased because of him. I also really respect Neil & look up to him as a CT, and I can tell that he's very respected within the department/school as well. SO much wisdom and things to learn!" - Amy L.
Nicki Graham - English, Monticello High School
"She has been the best cooperating teacher!! I have learned so much from her so far this semester, and I feel like she is preparing me to be the best teacher that I can be." - Zoe B.
Phillip Ernstmeyer - English, University Laboratory High School
"Dr. Ernstmeyer is the most eloquent, caring, and knowledgeable person I've ever worked with. He walked me through the essentials of high school teaching from lesson prep to classroom management. Having completed a PhD at the U of I himself, Dr. Ernstmeyer understands exactly the struggles that I'm going through as a graduate student and helps me get comfortable with teaching at various levels/in different school settings that require drastically different levels of expertise. Sometimes I feel he's more like a colleague, a fellow picker-up of shells by the great ocean of literature than a supervisor or co-op." - Shuo Z.
Stacy Carolan - English, Mahomet-Seymour High School
"Mrs. Carolan has been so welcoming and supportive in my first month as a student teacher. She is extremely compassionate, collaborative, and inclined to try new things. I feel as though my voice is truly valued, which has translated into my growing confidence in front of the classroom. I am very lucky to have her as a cooperating teacher, and I can't wait to learn more from her!" - Riley P.
Stephani Jones - English, Salt Fork High School
"Stephani was always so supportive! She pushed me to work hard and get in front of students whenever possible, but she was also responsive to my scheduling and workload needs. Her encouragement helped me to get a head start once I began student teaching." - Samantha V.