Welcome!

The Office of School and Community Partnerships provides support services to education candidates for clinical and internship experiences in local schools, districts, and agencies. By fostering collaborative relationships between the Cato College of Education, surrounding schools, public agencies, and the community, the Office of School and Community Partnerships seeks to enrich the experience of our pre-service educators and faculty. Our office works in collaboration with faculty, public and private agencies, and the community to coordinate long-term partnerships that enrich and enhance our program to ensure excellence and engagement.

Congratulations to Our FALL 2025 AWARD WINNERS

Cailin Walker, Traditional Student Teacher of the Year, Fall 2025

Congratulations to Cailin Walker! She’s a Middle Grades Education graduate, specializing in English Language Arts. Supervisor Kate Gilbert says that she and her classroom “exude calm energy, structure, and trust” and praised her ability to respond to data in real-time. Her CE commended her lesson planning, which “allowed each student to connect personally with the text while practicing 21st-century communication skills.” Program director Hilary Dack even said, “I would want Cailin to teach my own child as a student teacher.”

Maria Melo, Residential Student Teacher of the Year, Fall 2025

Congratulations to Maria Melo! Maria will graduate with her Foreign Language Education Graduate Certificate in Teaching, specializing in Spanish. Her administrator at Hickory Ridge High School has watched her grow over the course of the program, saying, “She has grown into her role with poise, teaching with a self-confidence that is reciprocated in her students.” Supervisor Cornelia Okraski appreciates her mind for practicality, seeing that she “makes sure that authentic resources are used and that the topic matches student interest,” as her students engage in both communicative language teaching and meaningful cultural content. Her principal called her an “outstanding educator and a future leader in the profession.” 

Erin Lee – Cato College of Education Clinical Educator, Fall 2025

Cato College annually recognizes a P-12 teacher who serves as a clinical educator to a full-time student teaching candidate. Award recipients should provide exemplary support and mentoring to an undergraduate or graduate candidate in a teacher education program.

This year, we recognize Erin Lee at Harold E. Winkler Middle School in Cabarrus County. Lee’s student-teacher, principal, and university supervisor nominated her! She was recognized for her valuable, actionable feedback that promotes growth in preservice teachers. The commitment to her student teacher and the profession is evident in every nomination.

Her student teacher expressed appreciation for the valuable feedback she provided, which promoted growth in teaching strategies and confidence, stating, “She coached me side-by-side — using our planning time to offer specific feedback, share ready-to-use resources, and model strategies I could implement the very next day.”

Jaime Mejia – Traditional Student Teacher of the Year, Spring 2025

Jaime Mejia is a Foreign Language Education graduate in spring 2025. He was lauded for his communication skills and classroom engagement and was offered a job in his placement school before even completing the semester! His clinical educator couldn’t speak highly enough about him – “In every interaction, Jaime demonstrates creativity, compassion, and a heart for service. He brings innovative ideas to the classroom, fosters a culture of respect and inclusion, and remains grounded in his mission to break down barriers for multilingual learners. Without a doubt, Jaime Mejia represents the very best of what future educators should be.”

It’s been only one semester since Jaime graduated with his Bachelor’s degree, but he surprised his former supervisors by resurfacing at commencement in Fall 2025, walking the stage to receive his M.A.T. He only had a few more courses to complete, and he knew the advanced licensure would make him better equipped both in the classroom and in collaborative settings among peer teachers, so it was an easy “yes” to continue into summer and fall sessions to get the extra degree. Congratulations and well done, Jaime!