Recognizing Emma Strickland: A Student Teacher of the Year Finalist
Emma Strickland ranked as a top five finalist for the 2024 NC Association of College for Teacher Education Student Teacher of the Year. She was recently recognized at the NCACTE Fall Forum Student Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony in Raleigh. Emma student taught at Harnett Central High School in Buies Creek, NC while completing her program at Campbell University. At the Fall Forum excerpts from the letters of support for her nomination were shared and follow here below.
Dr. Terrie Hampton, Associate Professor in the School of Education at Campbell University, described Emma as “having a positive attitude and outlook on life.” She also wrote that Emma “exhibits the characteristics of a student who will work hard to create a healthy classroom environment.” Angie Pierce, Emma’s Field Supervisor, said that she has a “natural talent for teaching,” which is “apparent through her relationships and interactions with students to include a student-centered approach that fosters both engagement and student achievement.” She also described her as “energetic and motivational in her craft as she holds high expectations for all students,” and “can build relationships and make connections” with students. Tracy Gaines, Emma’s Clinical Educator at Harnett Central High School, stated that Emma “has consistently demonstrated outstanding teaching abilities, a deep understanding of pedagogy, and a genuine commitment to student success.” Ms. Gaines went on to say that Emma “possesses a remarkable ability to connect with students, foster a positive learning environment, and inspire academic excellence. She has shown exemplary skills in lesson planning, classroom management and differentiated instruction, ensuring that all students feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.” Finally, she noted that Emma “demonstrates integrity, empathy, and resilience in all her interactions, earning the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike.”
Emma is a natural – the type of teacher that can develop relationships and make connections and create a positive and healthy learning environment for her students. She describes herself as “the type of teacher who cares passionately for her students but also challenges her students to be the best possible reader, writer, thinker, and person that they can be.” She is currently teaching ninth and tenth grade English at West Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA.