“Teaching is my dream. This recognition is a way to prove to myself that all of my hard work is putting me one step closer to achieving that dream,” said Brown. 
Her nominators praised her dedication and initiative in the classroom. “Olivia has gone above and beyond to become an excellent educator,” one nominator shared. “She participates actively in grade-level meetings, asks thoughtful questions, digs into data analysis and has an impressive grasp of our standards. She even stepped in to teach a small intervention group during RTI to help meet a need on campus.” 

McCoy, a Special Education teacher at Altruria Elementary in Bartlett City Schools, has been teaching for 29 years and is in her second year as a mentor teacher. 
“Being selected as Mentor Teacher of the Month means so much because, as educators, we want to give upcoming teachers advice and the experience of hands-on learning in the classroom,” McCoy said. “Seeing our residency candidates grow and become more comfortable is so great to watch. Watching their love of teaching grow and blossom is very rewarding.” 

Bocz, an associate professor of teaching in the College of Health Sciences Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Department, has been in her current role for nine years and in education for 15 years. 
 

“This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and passion I pour into supporting future physical educators,” she said. “My favorite part of supervising residency candidates is witnessing their transformation from student to teacher. It’s incredibly meaningful to see their coursework come alive in real classrooms. 
Being surrounded by passionate faculty and hardworking students challenges me to become better every day. Helping prepare future teachers remains one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”