Ten student teachers in the University of Delaware’s secondary teacher education program were honored for having inspired and engaged their students with the theories, content and big ideas of their disciplines.

The students received 2016 Outstanding Student Teacher Certificates from UD’s Center for Secondary Teacher Education. The center says it awards the certificate to those outstanding candidates who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in developing rapport with students, planning and executing lessons and incorporating suggestions and new ideas into teaching practice.

The recipients, the subject areas and schools in which they student taught and their reflections about the experience, are:

Jeffrey W. Leager, music education, Shue-Medill Middle School in Newark, Delaware, and Perryville (Maryland) High School. “I can't help but be truly inspired by all of my students. I'm honored to have stood in front of such talented musicians.”

Kevin Balsbaugh, English, William Penn High School, New Castle, Delaware. "Student teaching has been an amazing experience thanks to the phenomenal mentors both at the University and in the schools. I cannot wait to continue the level of excellence I learned at UD wherever my career takes me.”

Amanda Weiler, English Language Arts, Perryville High School. “Over the past 14 weeks student teaching, I've grown as both an educator and as a person. I've been challenged, but I've also seen how rewarding a career it is. I've learned that I truly am in the right profession and cannot wait to have my own classroom next year.”

Tom Kuchler, choral music, Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, Delaware. “Student teaching has been by far the most rewarding experience of my undergraduate career. I have never felt more ready to go out into the world and teach.”

Cassandra Janocha, English, William Penn High School. “We, as educators, spend a lot of time talking about the issues in education, and sometimes forget about all of the good things that happen within our classrooms. My student teaching experience was nothing short of magical.”

Kayla Dickens, French, Alfred G. Waters Middle School, Middletown, Delaware. “To say student teaching is anything less than overwhelming would be an understatement, but if I've learned only one thing through this experience it's that I can do this! I am so grateful for all that I have learned inside and outside the classroom in my program at UD and the connections I've made that I know will last throughout my career as an educator.”

Anthony Reid, mathematics, St. Georges (Delaware) Technical High School. "As a teacher my main goal will always be to make it all about the students, and always reflect.”

Kendall Barger, social studies, Howard High School of Technology, Wilmington, Delaware. “Student teaching was the most transformative and enriching experience I've ever had. My students taught me more about teaching than I probably taught them about history. They helped me grow into a more effective teacher—I have them to thank for everything.” 

Amanda Livesey, music education, Wilmington (Delaware) Friends School and Olive B. Loss Elementary School, Bear, Delaware. “I have learned so much from my two student teaching placements and my wonderful cooperating teachers. I feel that my courses and student teaching experiences have prepared me well, and I am looking forward to having a classroom of my own next year.”

Christina O'Donovan, mathematics, Concord High School, Wilmington, Delaware. “It is amazing to think that after my four years at the University of Delaware studying secondary math education, I now have the opportunity to enable my students' dreams.”