College of Education (COE)
October 2026 Residency Award Winners | College of Education | University of Memphis
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
The University of Memphis College of Education’s Office of Teacher Education and Clinical
Practice recognized Isabel Parobek and Michael Moore as its October 2026 Student Teachers of the Month,
Leigh Collins as Mentor Teacher of the Month and Jennifer Bubrig as Supervisor of
the Month.
Parobek, a teaching all learners major from Memphis, is completing her residency at Power Center Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School, where she also worked during her junior year. After graduation, she hopes to teach math in grades 3–5 and pursue a master’s degree in instructional design and technology.
She said the recognition affirms her growth as an educator and encourages her to continue supporting her students.
“Just as others have believed in me, I hope to instill that same confidence and growth in my current and future students,” Parobek said.
Her nominator praised the relationships she has built with students, her culturally responsive approach and her ability to engage students in meaningful mathematical thinking. The nomination also highlighted her progress from observing and supporting instruction to taking ownership of lessons.
Moore’s nomination highlighted his commitment to building relationships with students. He eats lunch with students each day and thoughtfully adjusts his approach to support neurodivergent learners.
“He brings empathy and patience to everything he does, and it shows in how students respond to him,” his nominator wrote.
The nomination also praised Moore’s openness to feedback, willingness to help and work supporting students through co-teaching, tutoring, small group instruction and individual instruction.
Collins, a special education teacher at Forest Hill Elementary School, was selected as Mentor Teacher of the Month for the encouragement, care and resilience she brings to her classroom and her work with her student teacher.
“She constantly reminds her students that they can do hard things and works to instill in them the same resilience, positivity and confidence that she demonstrates herself,” her nominator wrote.
Her nomination described a patient and compassionate educator who helps both students and her residency candidate believe in their abilities and keep going when challenges arise.
Bubrig is in her 11th year serving as full-time clinical faculty, following five years as an adjunct faculty member supervising teacher candidates in their residency placements. She began this work as the college implemented its yearlong residency program was being implemented.
“A colleague recently told me that teacher preparation is my love language,” Bubrig said. “After all these years, I believe she is absolutely right!”
She said one of the most meaningful parts of her work this semester has been seeing former students become mentor teachers for her current residency and pre-residency candidates.
