MSU's College of Education recognizes outstanding teacher interns

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University's College of Education is honoring eight fall 2024 graduates for their exceptional work as teacher interns in Magnolia State school districts.

The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across the state. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession.

Recipients include:

—Grace Chandler, an elementary education graduate from Senatobia, taught in the DeSoto County School District.

—Marlee-keeton Cumberland, a secondary education graduate from Philadelphia, taught in the Union Public School District.

—Ali Driggers, an elementary education graduate from Broomfield, Colorado, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Asia Ellis, a music education graduate from Starkville, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Taylor Fulgham, an elementary education graduate from Columbus, taught in the Webster County School District.

—Grace Massey, a special education graduate from Columbus, taught in the Lowndes County School District.

—Clark McGehee, a secondary education graduate from Meadville, taught in the Webster County School District.

—April Reich, an elementary education graduate from Fulton, taught in the Itawamba County School District.

"We are very proud of all our teacher interns, but especially these outstanding students," said Donna Shea, director of MSU's Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure and Outreach. "These students exhibited a dedication to excellence above and beyond, a passion for educating children and a love of learning. Their mentors provided letters of recommendation, and common descriptors were used by many to include creative, empathetic, dedicated, effective, positive, enthusiastic, caring, kind, compassionate, confident and consistent. We have no doubt our fall 2024 cohort will have a very positive impact on the lives of many and are honored to have had the opportunity to support them."

MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at https://www.educ.msstate.edu/.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.