College Recognizes Mentor Teachers for Service to Education Programs

The College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas honored mentor teachers from local school districts at dinners May 7 and 8 in Fayetteville.

The college’s office of field placement hosted the events for teachers who serve as mentors to students during their teaching internships. About 340 people attended over the two nights.

“Research indicates that the mentor teacher has the greatest and longest lasting influence on not only the student teaching experience, but also the aspiring teacher’s growth and development long after student teaching has ended,” said Leah Chamberlain, director of field placement. “This responsibility is a highly significant one for which we are forever grateful. Our programs would not be possible without the commitment and expertise of our fantastic mentor teachers.”

The first night honored teachers who worked with students in the secondary education five-year Master of Arts in Teaching program and the four-year licensure programs that include physical education, career and technical education, agriculture education and art education. Trevor Cooper, who was named the college’s Outstanding M.A.T. Student in Secondary Education this year, was the guest speaker.

Cheryl Meyers, a University of Arkansas alumna who teaches agriculture at Kingston High School, was nominated for the award as Mentor Teacher of the Year for the four-year licensure programs. Kassidy Brasel, an agriculture education student, nominated Meyers.

Melanie Nations, a social studies teacher at Prairie Grove Middle School, won the award as Mentor Teacher of the Year for the secondary education M.A.T. program. Olivia Root, a social studies M.A.T. student, nominated Nations.

The second night honored teachers who worked with students in the childhood education M.A.T. program and the four-year elementary education program. Nicole DeMarea, who was named the college’s Outstanding Student in Elementary Education this year, and Haley Lane, who was named the college’s Outstanding M.A.T. Student in Childhood Education, were the guest speakers at the reception.

Students Melissa Curiel and Dana Ward spoke about their mentor, Sarah Stallings, a kindergarten teacher at Bayyari Elementary School in Springdale, who was named Mentor Teacher of the Year for the Bachelor of Science in Education program. Student Becca Braun spoke about Sonya Zimmer, a first-grade teacher at Holcomb Elementary School in Fayetteville, who was named Mentor Teacher of the Year for the childhood education M.A.T. program.