Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education recently honored two outstanding student teachers with the Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award: Robbi Guthrie and Shelby Rolan. This award, named after Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo, who dedicated 35 years to building Lee’s Teacher Education Program, recognizes excellence in teaching.
Dr. Shane Brown, who leads Lee’s Teacher Education Program, emphasized the remarkable qualities of these winners. “They embody the excellence we aim to cultivate in all our candidates. Their impact will be felt far and wide,” he said.
Robbi Guthrie, from Pulaski, Tennessee, is a special education K-12 major. During her student teaching at Walker Valley High School and Cleveland Middle School, she proved her dedication. In addition to teaching, she plans to attend law school in August 2026.
Shelby Rolan, an English language arts major from Sevierville, Tennessee, taught at Cleveland Middle and Pigeon Forge High School. She will start teaching high school ELA at PFHS in January.
At an event celebrating all fall student teachers, Kate Faulk and Hannah Winters Conner shared their experiences. Faulk, a psychology major, plans to teach high school psychology after her student teaching at WVHS and East Hamilton High. Conner, focusing on grades K-5, is currently teaching 4th grade at Hopewell Elementary and completed her student teaching at Taylor and Hopewell Elementary Schools.
The Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award has been recognizing exceptional students since spring 1996. Recipients are chosen based on nominations from their cooperating teachers and principals.
Student teaching can be a transformative experience. According to a recent survey by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, over 80% of new teachers felt more prepared for their careers after their student teaching placements. This underscores the importance of support and mentorship during this critical phase of training.
In today’s social media-driven world, teachers often share their journey and accomplishments online. Hashtags like #StudentTeaching and #FutureEducators create a community where experiences and advice are exchanged, further enriching the teaching profession.
Congratulations to Robbi and Shelby, and all student teachers striving to make a difference in education!
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