College of Education (COE)
OTECP Announces September 2026 Residency Award Winners
Monday, 28 September 2026
The University of Memphis College of Education’s Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice (OTECP) recognizes Morgan Roth, Khaelah Bass and Dr. George Falls as its September 2026 Student Teacher, Mentor Teacher and Supervisor of the Month.
Roth, an art education major from Bartlett, Tenn., is completing her student teaching at Elmore Park Middle School. She said the recognition reminds her that the work student teachers do matters.
“I am so thankful to be surrounded by people who care about the development of teachers,” Roth said. “This recognition is a reminder that what we do as student teachers matters and it is a motivator to continue to bring my best to my students, mentor teacher and College of Education associates.”
Her nominator praised the initiative Roth showed from the start of her residency, including attending school in-service days to prepare for the year and beginning to co-teach and lead lessons during the first week of school.
Bass teaches fifth-grade math at Power Center Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School. She is in her third year of teaching at the school and her first year as a mentor teacher. She said the recognition is especially meaningful because the College of Education helped prepare her for her own career.
“It is an honor to now be in a position where I can help prepare and support the next generation of educators,” Bass said.
She added that her favorite part of mentoring is watching a residency candidate grow in confidence, develop a teaching style and build relationships with students.
Bass’ nominator described her as a thoughtful mentor who made her residency candidate feel welcome from the beginning and helped her become part of the classroom community.
Falls, a clinical assistant professor who teaches at the UofM Lambuth, was selected as Supervisor of the Month. His nominations praised his encouragement, knowledge and willingness to answer questions and address concerns.
“Dr. Falls is always there when you need him,” one nomination read. “He is knowledgeable about what he teaches and makes us all feel loved and heard.”