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 equity, excellence, and engagement.

Congratulations to Our FALL 2024 AWARD WINNERS!

Jessica Long – Resident Student Teacher of the Year

Our Resident STOY for Fall 2024 is Jessica Long, who finished her Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades Education in December with a concentration in Grades 6-9 Social Studies. According to her principal, Long is “keenly aware of her students’ needs and seeks ways to improve her pedagogy to help them grasp the content better.” He also praised her rapport with the entire school community, saying she “takes the time to get to know her students, and often goes the extra mile to meet their needs. She remains in touch with her peers and frequently seeks ways to improve the school.”

 Her University Supervisor, Kate Gilbert, nominated her for “her dynamic teaching style, compassionate demeanor, and exceptional commitment to nurturing the whole child.” During her final observation, she intentionally selected a hexagonal thinking discussion strategy, which exemplified her intentionality in promoting critical thinking and collaboration. It was so impactful for her students that Gilbert invited Long to present her experience as a guest speaker at our final seminar for student teachers!

Bailey Wilcox – Traditional Student Teacher of the Year, Fall 2024

This semester, we had a unique situation where, for the first time in our college’s history, our Traditional STOY and Outstanding CE winners were a mentor/mentee pair and nominated each other without the other knowing! 

Bailey Wilcox is a graduate of our Minor in Secondary Education program, concentrating in English. Her clinical educator, Outstanding CE winner Vanessa Halling, wrote, “Ms. Wilcox embodies the intellect, enthusiasm, and student-centered mindset essential for today’s educators.” Wilcox was also recognized for her professionalism, preparation, and ability to effectively teach three different levels of students, even contributing to the English 4 Professional Learning Community before the school year began. 

Her University Supervisor, Kate Gilbert, recounted a particular anecdote from one of their regular meetings: “After building a genuine connection with a student who had previously expressed a strong dislike for reading, she thoughtfully recommended a book she believed would resonate with him. The next day, the student approached her before lunch and asked if he could stay in her room to have a quiet place to read… Her thoughtful recommendation and willingness to create a supportive environment unlocked a newfound love of reading for this student, inspiring him to see himself as a reader for the first time.”

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 Outstanding Clinical Educator!

Vanessa Halling

Mallard Creek High School: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Vanessa Halling is an English teacher at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools. University Supervisor Kate Gilbert nominated her for excelling in co-teaching, co-planning, co-assessing, and reflecting alongside her student teacher while providing a balance of guidance and autonomy. Her principal’s nomination stated, “Mrs. Halling taught Ms. Wilcox how to establish high expectations and maintain those regardless of how the day was going in class. Mrs. Halling has always been an inspiring staff member at Mallard Creek, but to see the firsthand impact she’s had on the next generation of teachers has been amazing. 

She was also nominated by her student teacher, Traditional STOY fall winner Bailey Wilcox, who paid her perhaps the highest compliment: “Mrs. Halling has surpassed every expectation that I had of what a Clinical Educator should be. She constantly goes above and beyond to support me in learning to be the best teacher I can be. From the beginning, she made her classroom into my own.”